Sir Nick Faldo has confirmed he will respond to the scathing comments made by Greg Norman once the Masters draws to a close. Sir Nick was labelled a « loner » by his former rival Norman, who launched a series of barbs at the six-time major winner and declared he has « no respect » for the Englishman.
Norman also voiced his frustration at being absent from the Masters, revealing he had not received an invitation from Augusta National. The club traditionally invites past major champions to take part in the prestigious event. Sir Nick spoke beneath the iconic oak tree outside Augusta National’s clubhouse on Wednesday, stating: « I’m going to release a statement on Monday out of respect for the tournament. »
Sir Nick and Norman share a storied rivalry, most notably recalled from the 1996 Masters when the Australian squandered a six-stroke lead on the final day, gifting Faldo the title. In the aftermath, Faldo offered a heartfelt embrace to Norman, producing one of the tournament’s most enduring moments.
However, the 68-year-old found himself on the receiving end of a number of pointed jibes in an interview Norman gave to The Telegraph ahead of the 90th Masters.
« You know, he was the one who came up to me, he’s the one who hugged me, » Norman said. « He’s the one who said, ‘Don’t let those b****** get to you.
« But it didn’t really mean much to me, because I knew he’d soon go back to being the way he was before. We never had any sort of relationship. We were chalk and cheese. He was a loner, I couldn’t be like him. »
Norman voiced particular irritation regarding Sir Nick’s position on the LIV Golf breakaway in 2022. ‘The Shark’ held the roles of the league’s commissioner and chief executive, while Faldo numbered amongst its most outspoken critics.
Norman, 71, was furious that Faldo had openly criticised LIV without first making contact to discuss the league and what it aimed to achieve. He dismissed Faldo’s opinions on the subject as « stupid ».
« Come on, we have a history; he could have called me and asked for the other side of the story, and I’d have gladly given it, » Norman added.
« And if he still hadn’t agreed then fine – his opinion and as he knows the facts, he would have been entitled to say anything he likes. Happy days.
« But just to sound off? Like I said, no respect for him. He still comes out with stuff that’s interestingly stupid, to be honest with you. »
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