AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - As golf takes center stage in Augusta ahead of the first round of the Masters Tournament, there are many questions and opinions about the LIV Golf controversy since many top players have left the PGA tour for it. Wednesday, Chairman Fred Ridley shared his stance and why Greg Norman didn't receive an invitation.

Most debate about LIV Golf comes down to its funding source as well as the golfers rejecting the PGA to play for this rival league. Some include familiar faces to Augusta National Golf Club.

Greg Norman works as the CEO for LIV Golf. Several Masters Tournament champs also became LIV Golf members like Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson and former Augusta University golfer Patrick Reed.

Golfers joining this league have been accused of helping Saudi Arabia's "sportswashing." Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley says he is only disappointed those golfers joined a new golfing venture, instead of helping build a long-standing legacy with the PGA Tour and the Masters Tournament . 

"I had the privilege of being a member, a partner in a law firm that's 180 years old, and we exist today because of many generations of lawyers who thought it was important to leave our organization better than they found it. So this is just my personal opinion. Doesn't mean that everyone has to think this way." said Chairman Fred Ridley.

In response to the "sportswashing" allegation, Chairman Ridley also believes these were personal decisions for the players.

As for Norman, he says what matters right now is the tournament.

"I want the focus this week to be on the Masters competition, on the great players that are participating, the greatest players in the world, which, by our decision in December, we ensured that we were going to honor and be consistent with our invitation criteria." said Chairman Ridley.

Changes are possible for LIV Golf players and their eligibility for the Masters Tournament. However, for now, that remains unclear.

"...We do look at our qualifications every year, but there are changes. Things are evolving, and we need to make sure that we are flexible in that regard. So I'm sure there will be changes in the future, but none beyond what I announced this morning." said Chairman Fred Ridley.

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