‘We’ve given golf a heartbeat’: Greg Norman asks how official rankings can ‘ignore’ the fact ‘the two best players in the world’ play on the LIV tour after $100m signing Cameron Smith’s victory at Chicago just NINE weeks after the ‘real #1’ won the Open
- Greg Norman shared his support for compatriot Cameron Smith on Instagram
- The World No. 3 sealed a three-shot victory at the LIV tour event in Chicago
- Norman also asked how the official rankings could ignore the star-studded tour
- Those playing on the Saudi-backed tour will not receive world ranking points
Greg Norman has taken to Instagram to show his support for Cam Smith after his win at the LIV Golf Chicago event, at Rich Harvest Farms, before defending the Open champion’s decision to join the controversial tour.
The two-time Major winner celebrated Smith’s achievement but also sent out a message to the LIV tour’s manifold sceptics, declaring the tour a ‘family’ – before questioning how the Official World Rankings could not award points to LIV golfers.
Smith took his first LIV tour event by three shots in just his second outing, but joined Norman in asking for a decision to be made on official ranking points, which determine entry into golf’s Majors, for those on the Saudi-backed series.
Greg Norman was quick to praise Cameron Smith (right) for winning the LIV event in Chicago
Smith celebrates after winning his first LIV Golf event after joining for $100m last month
Norman was at Rich Harvest Farms for the event giving his support to his compatriot, and sent a barbed message, writing: ‘Who’s questioning the real #1 & #2 in the world?
‘On top of that they are happy. Their families are happy. Their wives are happy. Their caddies are happy.
‘The team is a family. Everyone is in this together. This has never happened on the PGA Tour. As Cam Smith has said, we have given golf a heartbeat.
‘The fans hold us all accountable. They are holding the PGA Tour accountable. They are holding the OWGR accountable.
Norman was supporting his compatriot throughout the event
‘How can the OWGR ignore the fact that the two best players in the world – Cameron Smith and Dustin Johnson – play on the tour?
‘When the fans speak, listen. Golf is a force for good.’
Norman shared several Instagram stories of his support for Smith, who was appearing at just his second event on the controversial tour following his $100million switch.
LIV Golf, which held its fifth event this week in Chicago, applied for recognition in golf’s world rankings – which play a key role in deciding entry into golf’s four majors – in July and their file remains under review.
Without ranking points, the 12 Major winners that were competing at Chicago risk missing out on the points needed to qualify for golf’s biggest prizes, and Smith was equally quick to echo Norman’s sentiments.
He may have earned exemption into golf’s four majors for at least the next five years with his win at the British Open in July, but the Austrlian said: ‘I suppose there’s a lot on the line with the ranking points, getting into majors, stuff like that.
‘There needs to be (a resolution) quite soon, I think. The field here is strong enough and deep enough to where it warrants that, and hopefully it’s soon.’
The Great White Shark was active highlighted the quality of both Smith and Dustin Johnson
