This week of The Open should and must be magical. However behind the scenes, big decisions could be made for the rest of the LIV Golf tournaments. Ensuring that this 150th edition of The Open is an exceptional one, the subjects LIV Golf and Greg Norman will remain taboo during this week in St Andrews, but will continue to arouse curiosity.

The Open back at St Andrews- via Twitter @TheOpen

The Open back at St Andrews- via Twitter @TheOpen

With just hours to go before the start of the 150th edition of The Open, the world golf bodies administering the world rankings are expected to deliver their verdict on whether or not to award world points to LIV Golf events. Greg Norman former winner of The Open has been asked not to come to St Andrews this year and although he is not present this week, his name as well as that of his circuit are only circulating.

Tiger Woods, who until then had been very reserved on this subject, spoke to journalists by answering questions with frankness:
“I don't agree with them (the players who joined LIV Golf). I think what they have done is turn their backs (on the Tour) on what it has allowed them to be where they are today”.
"Greg Norman has done things that I think are not in the best interest of our game." The Tiger, twice winner of the event at St Andrews, wants this 150th The Open to remain a celebration, and that this celebration will not be tainted by these controversies.

The Open 2022, LIV Golf

Tiger Woods in press conference – via Twitter @TheOpen

Martin Slumbers, managing director of the Royal & Ancient also spoke about the dissident players. Whether it's Jay Monahan for the PGA Tour, Keith Pelley for the DP World Tour or Mike Whan for the USGA, none have sided with Greg Norman and it looks like Martin Slumbers hasn't. Although no decision has yet been made regarding a future ban on dissident players for The Open 2023, Martin Slumbers is not in favor of the rise of this league:
“I believe the pattern we saw at Centurion and Pumpkin Ridge is not the best long term for the benefit of our sport. We think it undermines the competitive spirit and culture that makes golf so special.”

Greg Norman and LIV Golf have had a hard time making allies in recent weeks, especially since the start of the LIV Series which does not seem to have convinced observers. The decision on the allocation of world points for the LIV Golf circuit should not be long in coming, but LIV Golf seems to have more and more detractors.

Bridgestone, historical partner of the PGA Tour, being also a tournament title sponsor, broke its contract with one of its biggest headliners: Bryson Dechambeau. Having participated in the LIV Series, Bryson Dechambeau is for the brand, now more eligible to represent Bridgestone.

The penalties announced by the Tours (American and European) are now known and players now know what awaits them when they join this new league: ban on circuits, possible bans from participating in major tournaments and for some, the loss of their sponsor. .

To find the departures of the first round of The Open 2022: click here.

By Baptiste Laurensou.

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