Former double Open Champion, Greg Norman declared he’s never been so insulted in his life than being turned away from being present to hear long-time friend and colleague, Jose Maria Olazabal announce his two European Team ‘wildcard’ picks.

Norman was on hand at Gleneagles last Monday to host a Johnnie Walker sponsored clinic prior to making his way to Switzerland and this week’s Omega European Masters.

However with heavy rain keeping everyone inside, Norman found himself  inside the hotel about the same time his friend and colleague of 30-years was confirming Ian Poulter and Nicolas Colsaerts as his two Medinah picks.

Greg Norman meets with Jose Maria Olazabal at the 2011 PGA Championship in Atlanta. (Photo - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

Norman is currently an ambassador for Omega whereas Swiss wrist watch rival, Rolex is one of five main sponsors, including Johnnie Walker, of the European Ryder Cup Team.

It’s for this reason the champion Australian, who also had spent 331 weeks at World No. 1, was informed his presence was not welcome at the announcement.

“It’s a long story but Rolex just wouldn’t allow me to be present in the room,” said Norman after posting a first round 74 on day one of the Omega European Masters.

“What was annoying is that Jose Maria and I have been mates for 30 years, and beside she later came up to me to apologise for what happened.

“He just wanted to know that it wasn’t who didn’t want me in the press conference.

“Of course, I was in Scotland for Johnnie Walker and they’re one of the Ryder Cup and Tour sponsors, so it’s a deep and ugly story.”

But now the tale gets a little petty.

Norman revealed further he had been informed by Rolex, and a company he used to represent, that 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.

But while Norman was reluctant to go any further with the story he did with some coaxing reveal how he was told he was not welcome to tee-up on July 25th ahead of the Turnberry event and known officially as  ‘The Senior Open presented by Rolex’.

“It would be too much energy to go into it but Rolex actually had me removed from the Pro-Am, so that’s when it all started,” he said.

“I’m disgusted by it all and it’s never ever happened before in my entire life.”

What is ironic in this sad tale is that when the European Team does touch down in Chicago and Medinah they will find the official watch of the PGA of America is Omega.