Suspicious Golf Fans Discredit Greg Norman’s Masters Success Story: ‘Heavily Embellished’

The 2024 Masters is coming to a close, and Augusta National’s renowned roars can be heard across the globe on television. Not only has this year’s competition included some incredible shot-making, but LIV Golf’s ongoing narrative has also left a lasting impression. While a few LIV golfers, such as Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, and Adrian Meronk, failed to make the cut, there were a few, like Bryson DeChambeau, who received a lot of love. Before even the tournament began, it was Greg Norman who came under the spotlight, and why? Because he was at Augusta.

LIV Golf’s CEO’s son later revealed that he had bought tickets from a secondary, as he was denied one by the authorities. Now, the golfer had a good run at the Masters and had enjoyed it there until Saturday. He shared a post on Instagram recalling his experience and saying that everyone was very nice to him there and thanked him! Patrons’ same admiration was also brought forward by the CEO’s son.

“The patrons of @themasters thank you for your unanimous support,” Norman said in his post. He went on to add, “It was humbling and moving and I was taken back by your words of encouragement: ‘thank you for what you have done for golf’ ‘don’t stop’ ‘Love LIV’ and the one that got to me personally and emotionally ‘welcome back.’” He even stated that his “right hand is sore from shaking hands with each and every one of you as well as the hugs given to so many.”

The main problem is that Norman’s story and certain fans’ reactions don’t match up. Although Norman recalled receiving nothing but praise and support, a number of his admirers questioned his account of this encounter.

Greg Norman’s post raises doubts in fans

One fan commented, “Apparently, you hear what you want to hear. You obviously don’t read what people think about what you’ve done. For every one person who likes what you’ve done there is a 100 who can’t stand it.” People have not been very welcoming towards the LIV Golf, and golfers who defected, and the comment stands testament to it.

One fan does not believe Greg Norman one bit. “This story is heavily embellished,” he added. The fans at the Augusta cheering Greg Norman for all he has done for the sport seems unlikely given the fact that how majority of golf fans dislike the PIF-backed league.

Another fan took issue with Norman’s claims, commenting “I have nothing against Greg Norman, but i strongly doubt that patrons at August were screaming ‘ thank you for what you did for Golf’ …. I beg to differ.” This skepticism calls into question the legitimacy of the kind of welcome Norman spoke of.

One fan commented, “It’s always about Greg first, golf second. Thanks for creating two watered down tours no one watches.” Norman 20 years ago, declared that he would create a Word Golf Tour in partnership with Fox which will have an eight-event schedule, boasting a total purse of $25 million plus a $50,000 travel stipend and a $1 million bonus to the player of the year! The attempt was to globalize the game but it failed! His second attempt, LIV Golf is also not a much-loved league, and hence the fan extended a sarcastic thank you to Norman.

“Greg is trying far too hard with this post, makes me question just how ‘welcoming’ everyone was,” said another fan. The fan pointed out that patrons would have not been as welcoming toward Norman because of his association with LIV Golf.

In general, the responses from the fans point to a pervasive mistrust and suspicion regarding Norman’s statements about the welcome he received at the Masters. This mistrust seems to stem from the belief that Norman’s engagement with the LIV Golf series has hurt the sport and that his priorities are not in line with the larger objectives of the game. For more Masters updates, follow the ES’s live blog!