Former double British Open winner GREG NORMAN said that he has "never been so insulted" after being told to stay away to hear JOSE MARIA OLAZABAL announce his two European Team "wildcard" picks, according to Fatiha Betscher of the AFP. Norman was on hand at Gleneagles on Monday to host a Johnnie Walker-sponsored clinic. However, with heavy rain keeping everyone inside, Norman found himself in the hotel about the same time Olazabal, his friend and colleague of 30-years, was confirming IAN POULTER and NICOLAS COLSAERTS as his two Medinah picks. Norman is currently "an ambassador for Omega whereas Swiss wrist watch rival, Rolex, is one of five main sponsors of the European Ryder Cup Team." It is for this reason the champion Australian, who also spent more than 300 weeks as world No.1, was told in no uncertain term that "his presence was not welcome at the announcement." It is the second time in recent weeks Norman said that he has been "snubbed by Rolex" after he was informed he was not welcome to participate in the British Senior Open Pro-Am, and on the Turnberry course where he had stormed to a five shot success in the 1986 Open Championship. Norman was reluctant to go any further with the story but did when he revealed how he was told that "he was not welcome to tee-up on July 25 ahead of the Turnberry event" known officially as "The Senior Open presented by Rolex" (AFP, 8/30).
