A statement from the R&A late yesterday confirmed the two-time Open winner was not invited to compete in the four-hole Celebration of Champions Challenge or the Champions’ Dinner to be held in St. Andrews over the next few days.

Norman, who raised the Claret Jug in 1986 and again in 1993, is now the chief executive of the Saudi-financed LIV Golf Invitational series, which has thrown the men’s professional game into turmoil in recent times as PGA and DP World Tour players defect to the start-up circuit for huge financial enticements and the prospect of playing less tournaments.

The snub from the game’s oldest organisation appears to be an attempt to avoid any chance of the 150th Open celebrations being overshadowed by LIV Golf discussions with Norman’s presence.

Greg Norman, the CEO, leads celebrations at the LIV Golf Portland event by throwing beers to the crowd. PHOTO: Getty Images.

"In response to enquiries regarding the R&A Celebration of Champions field and the Champions' Dinner, we can confirm that we contacted Greg Norman to advise him that we decided not to invite him to attend on this occasion,” the statement said.

"The 150th Open is an extremely important milestone for golf and we want to ensure that the focus remains on celebrating the Championship and its heritage.

"Unfortunately, we do not believe that would be the case if Greg were to attend. We hope that when circumstances allow, Greg will be able to attend again in future."