Masters legend accused of 'really weird' behaviour towards Rory McIlroy - 'Laughing grin on his face'

Norman has turned up to this year's Masters, despite not being invited in 2023.

And Chris 'Soly' Solomon, from the No Laying Up podcast, has claimed the 69-year-old was acting 'really weird' while following McIlroy on the course.

"I had somebody come up and tell me yesterday, he's like, so Norman like was out there like being really awkward with Rory at the practice round yesterday, like walking up to him, on five like on the ropes," he said.

"Like trying to get his attention. Almost like being really weird.

"Sure enough, I show up on five and there's the Shark just like hanging out there on the ropes like almost desperately trying to get Rory's attention.

"He is turned around talking to people but as soon as Rory walks up he like is looking at him and staring at him awkwardly.

"And it was just the weirdest scene. It was just like Rory never looked over and it was awkward."

He continued: "Norman is standing by the putting green, sees that that Rory's gonna walk up.

"So walks over to this rope just like stands there and has this like s**t-eating, laughing grin on his face, Rory walks by, doesn't acknowledge him and then [Norman] just turns back around and goes back to the putting green.

"Like it made no sense for him to do that other than just to like f**k with Rory in some way.

"I honestly couldn't believe it. Because I was making the turn towards 10 and I kind of walked by [Norman] and I was like, 'what is he doing?'

"And I went and followed him just to like see what he was doing and I was like, 'dude, what the hell?'"

McIlroy is, as things stand, facing a battle to win the Masters.

But the Northern-Irishman remains in the mix ahead of the action later today.

McIlroy was asked for his verdict on his display after Thursday's day of play.

And the Northern-Irishman, while content with his performance, admitted he wishes he could have done even better.

“It’s satisfying in one sense because it’s a decent start compared to the way I’ve played here recently, but I felt like it could have been two or three better," he said.

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“I think after the slow start making a few birdies around the turn was good. A little wasteful coming in.

"I had a good chance for birdie on 15 in the middle of the fairway and didn’t take that.

“Missed a shortish one on 16 and then the bogey on 17. But overall still not a bad score, and obviously a lot of golf left to play.

“I’m definitely not out of the tournament and not chasing anything tomorrow.

"I’m playing with Scottie so can keep an eye on what he’s doing and I’m looking forward to getting back out there.

“If you look at Scottie compared to the rest of the field, the amount of bogey-free rounds he shoots is phenomenal, and that’s the secret to winning major championships.

“I made three bogeys today, which is fine out there in these conditions, but just need to tidy it up a little bit to try to keep up with him.”