Greg Norman has hailed Cameron Smith’s ability to create “generational wealth” through his all-Australian LIV Golf franchise, while admitting he would love to return to Augusta National despite being snubbed from the Masters.
In an interview with the Herald and The Age on the eve of the richest golf tournament ever played in Australia, a candid Norman said he still harbours hope of one day walking back through the gates of Augusta National, which didn’t invite him to this year’s event.
Instead, Norman watched on television as LIV stars Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson finished tied-second behind Spain’s Jon Rahm, while Patrick Reed was in a share of fourth.
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley insisted he would “never say never” about Norman being invited back to the Masters, where he famously finished second on three occasions, including blowing a six-shot lead heading into the final round in 1996.
The R&A also opted not to ask Norman, a two-time The Open winner, to attend the 150th edition of the tournament at St Andrews last year because of his role in world golf’s civil war.
Asked if he still held hope of being back at the Masters one day, Norman said: “Of course the answer is yes, it’s one of my favourite venues and places in the world. I’ve got friends who are members at Augusta National and I’ve got an association corporate-wise. Of course I would like to.
Greg Norman talks to the media before the LIV Golf event in Adelaide.Credit: Getty
“I was so proud of all of [the LIV players at the Masters]. Twelve out of 18 made the cut, I was extremely proud of the guys. They were going in there under excruciating pressure from the media. Not from the players in the locker room, but the media and the perception of the outside world looking in.
“They’re still [some of] the best players in the world. You don’t ostracise the game of golf and crucify the great game of golf because of that – and the Masters recognised that.”
World No.6 Smith had a frustrating Masters, finishing well out of contention despite making the cut, but has been treated like a rock star at The Grange Golf Club for LIV’s first foray into Australia.
The 29-year-old is the captain of the Ripper GC franchise, featuring fellow Australians Marc Leishman, Matt Jones and Jed Morgan. Smith owns a 25 per cent stake in the franchise, with LIV controlling the rest, after signing a reported $140 million deal to join the breakaway tour.
The Saudi-backed series hopes for the 12 teams to grow into Formula One-type franchises where they control their own budgets and sign commercial deals.
Norman said Smith, who is betting favourite to win the LIV Golf Adelaide event despite a lacklustre start to the year, would appreciate being outside the United States, where LIV has faced staunch criticism.
“Every one of the team captains have taken on a lot, and when you look at Cam’s standpoint, when you get out of the white noise of the USA, he is the knight in shining armour,” Norman said.
“It’s a really good education for Cam. I love the ability for a kid his age to be able to see generational wealth and develop that through understanding branding and franchises. He’s embracing that and taking it on board.
“I’d love to be able to see these guys involved, and with some direction from my team understand, ‘here you are today, this is where you’re going to be tomorrow, this is where you’re going to be in 18 months or four years down the line’. I love seeing that for him.
“I’m so happy for Cam and he’s got a massive future ahead of him, within LIV and within golf. He’s burdened the responsibility extremely well and with a lot of maturity.”
Builders stop to watch Cameron Smith during the Pro-Am before the LIV Golf event in Adelaide.Credit: Getty
Smith is expected to draw the biggest galleries for the tournament, which sold its initial ticket allocation across all three days.
It has prompted Norman and LIV powerbrokers to consider bringing a second event to Australia next year, with Smith’s Queensland the early frontrunner.
“I think it would be unreal up there,” Smith said. “Coming down here this week just to Australia I think means a lot to everyone, and I think it’s going to be a great event.
“If we can squeeze two in, it’s my home state, so it would be kind of a personal preference. I know we’re kind of from everywhere around here [on Ripper GC], so we’re going to wait and see what happens.”
While his league is still frozen out from earning world rankings point, Norman reiterated his stance LIV could fit within golf’s ecosystem despite recent legal setbacks and his Saudi bosses are in it for the long haul.
LIV lost a court case against the DP World Tour, which is free to ban defectors from its circuit, and remains locked in a battle with the PGA Tour, which has excluded LIV players from their events after signing with Norman.
“We could easily co-exist,” Norman said.
And part of his plan for a world tour is bringing events to places like Australia, which have been starved of top-level tournament golf.
“I’ve been around golf in this country for four-and-a-half decades and I’ve seen the failures of a lot, and I’ve seen the success of a little,” Norman said.
“As a player transitioning into wanting the game of golf represented in the right way in the country, in my mind it was an automatic deal to bring a LIV event down here.
“Look what Kerry Packer did with cricket. God bless him, he sits on my right shoulder every day. Trust me, every day. He goes, ‘son, you’re doing a good bloody job’. I would say another word he always says, but…”
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
