Adam Scott is the latest golf star to throw his support behind besieged countryman Greg Norman, saying the two-time champion should never have been uninvited from the 150-year British Open celebrations.
Heavyweights Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy on Tuesday said Norman wasn't welcome at St Andrews because of his role as CEO and face of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed rebel tour that has divided the golfing world.
Norman's invitation to Monday's Celebration of Champions event and Tuesday night's Champions' Dinner was revoked by the Royal & Ancient, a decision both Woods and McIlroy strongly backed.
But Scott, who grew up idolising Norman and dedicated his historic 2013 Masters triumph to Australia's great golf trailblazer, on Wednesday told AAP he didn't agree.
"I tend to think yes is my first instinct," Scott said when asked if Norman should have been welcome at St Andrews this week.
"I know that everyone's a little bent out of shop about things going on but I tend to think yes overall.
"I mean, it's a never-ending discussion. I'm not even going to give reasons for why I think that but that's my first thing.
"And I know other people may think he upset the golfing world, let's say, but I tend to think yes (he should be here)."
Norman described the R&A's snubbing as "petty" and claimed officials should have risen above the LIV Golf issue and let him attend the special 150th Open.
"I think that's a fair comment. I do," Scott said.
"But I guess we're dealing in golf with something that we've not dealt with before and everyone's learning as we go, I guess.
"So we'll see."
Fellow Australian Marc Leishman, while declining to discuss LIV Golf, also believed Norman should have been at St Andrews.
"He's a champion, a two-time champion, so I don't see why not. He should have been (here)," Leishman told AAP.
Woods and McIlroy, though, insist Norman's presence this week would have tarnished the celebrations.
"Greg has done some things that I don't think are in the best interests of the game," Woods said on Tuesday.
"And we're coming back to probably the most historic and traditional place in our sport. I believe it's the right thing.
"I know what the PGA Tour stands for and what we have done and what the tour has given us - the ability to chase after our careers and to earn what we get and the trophies we have been able to play for and the history that has been a part of this game.
"I know Greg tried to do this back in the early '90s. It didn't work then, and he's trying to make it work now. I still don't see how that's in the best interests of the game."
McIlroy, one of the most vocal advocates of the PGA Tour and staunchly against Norman's rogue organisation, agreed.
"It's the 150th Open Championship and that's what we need to focus on. I think the focus would have been taken away a little bit if he'd have been here," McIlroy said.
