Masters 2023: LIV Golf chief Greg Norman's absence confirmed by Augusta bosses

LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman (left) has helped attract some of the world's best talents to the Saudi-backed project, including reigning Open champion Cameron Smith

The Masters did not invite LIV Golf commissioner Greg Norman to this year's tournament because organisers want "the focus to be on the competition".

Eighteen players from the Saudi-backed LIV, including six former winners, will play this week's major at Augusta.

"We did not extend an invitation to Mr Norman," said chairman Fred Ridley.

With PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley being invited, Norman told the Telegraph it was a "petty" decision.

"Funnily enough, I haven't been invited," the 68-year-old said.

"As a major winner I always was before, but they only sent me a grounds pass last year and nothing, zilch, this time around. I'm disappointed because it's so petty but of course I'll still be watching."

Ridley, in his annual pre-tournament news conference on Wednesday, said: "The primary issue and driver is that I want the focus this week to be on the Masters. In the last 10 years Greg Norman has only been here twice and one of those was as a commentator."

Norman, a three-time runner-up at Augusta National in the 1980s and 1990s, has become a controversial figure in the game after fronting the LIV Golf series, which began in 2022 with eight invitational events and has started a 14-event league this year.

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Earlier this week, he said players from the breakaway tour were planning a group celebration behind the 18th green at Augusta if one of them wins the Masters on Sunday.

The Australian former world number one was also not invited to the 150th Open at St Andrews last year, despite being a two-time champion of golf's oldest major.

The R&A, which hosts the Open, suggested Norman's involvement in the controversial LIV series would be an unwelcome distraction.

Masters 'supportive' of shorter ball proposal

Ridley also stated that the Masters would be "supportive" of the proposal to use a ball that will not fly as far through the air in elite competitions.

The balls, which will travel around 15 yards less will be used at The Open and US Open should the Model Local Rule be passed.

The PGA Tour has not immediately backed the proposal, which has been criticised by equipment manufacturing company Acushnet and former world number one Justin Thomas.

However, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have voiced their support for the idea.

And Ridley said: "I think, in a general sense, we do support the proposal, but because it's in the middle of a comment period, it could change.

"The whole purpose of the comment period is to take the input from the industry. So we will look at the final product and make a decision.

"But generally we have always been supportive of the governing bodies. I've stated that we believe distance needs to be addressed. I think the natural conclusion is, yes, we will be supportive."

Augusta National has consistently added length to its course over the years, most notably this year on the par-five 13th. The tee has been pushed back 35 yards to make going for the green in two a trickier prospect.