Greg Norman Turns 70: Celebrating an Incredible Golf Legacy
Australian golf legend Greg Norman has turned 70, marking over four decades of dominance in the sport. Since securing his first PGA Tour victory at the 1984 Kemper Open, Norman has built a career filled with extraordinary achievements, establishing himself as both a top competitor and an influential figure in golf. Even after stepping down as the CEO of LIV Golf, he has made it clear that he remains committed to contributing to the game.
A Remarkable Career in Golf
There is no doubt that Norman is one of the most decorated players in PGA Tour history. Over his career, he has claimed 20 PGA Tour titles, including two major victories at the 1986 and 1993 Open Championships. However, his international success extends far beyond the PGA Tour, with 70 worldwide wins across the DP World Tour, Asian Tour, and Australian PGA Tour. His record includes six Australian Masters victories and four Australian Open titles, making him one of the most successful golfers of all time.
A Career Marked by Near Misses
Norman is well known for his runner-up finishes, a statistic that surpasses even Rory McIlroy’s record of close calls. The Australian has finished second in PGA Tour events an astonishing 31 times, significantly more than McIlroy’s 11. These near misses have added to his legacy, demonstrating both his consistency and the fine margins that define the sport.
Dominance in the World Rankings
Norman’s ability to remain at the top of the golfing world is further highlighted by his reign as the world’s number-one golfer. Throughout his career, he held the top ranking for an incredible 331 weeks. To put this into perspective, the closest competitor to him in this category, Dustin Johnson, only spent 135 weeks at the top. However, Tiger Woods stands far ahead with 683 total weeks as the world’s best golfer, showing the elite company Norman keeps in the sport’s history.
Success at The Open Championship
While Norman did not claim as many major titles as some of his peers, his two Open Championship victories are among his most celebrated achievements. In 1986, he conquered a strong field that included Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo, and Seve Ballesteros at Scotland’s Turnberry Golf Resort. In particularly challenging conditions, he was the only player to finish at par, while the rest of the field struggled to stay within five shots of him.
His second Open Championship win in 1993 came at Royal St George’s Golf Club, where he faced another elite field, including Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, and Bernhard Langer. Once again, Norman proved his mettle and claimed his final major title, cementing his place among the greats of the game.
Recognized for His Achievements
Despite expressing disappointment over a perceived lack of recognition in golf, Norman has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the Byron Nelson Award five times (1988, 1990, 1993, 1994, and 1995) for having the lowest adjusted scoring average. Additionally, he was awarded the Vardon Trophy three times (1989, 1990, and 1994) for his outstanding performance on the PGA Tour.
Further recognizing his dominance, Norman also won the Arnold Palmer Award on three occasions (1986, 1990, and 1995), given to the golfer with the highest earnings on the PGA Tour in a season. He also became the first golfer in PGA Tour history to surpass $10 million in career earnings, highlighting his financial success through tournament play.
The Elusive Masters Title
Despite his numerous achievements, Norman was never able to win the Masters Tournament, despite coming agonizingly close on multiple occasions. Two of his most heartbreaking losses came in 1986 and 1996. In 1986, he entered the final round with a one-shot lead but was overtaken by Jack Nicklaus, who produced a legendary comeback to claim victory.
A decade later, in 1996, Norman held a six-stroke lead over Nick Faldo heading into the final round. However, he struggled under pressure, shooting a disappointing six-over-par round, while Faldo capitalized with a brilliant five-under performance to take the green jacket. These near misses have fueled debates about Norman’s legacy, with some seeing them as blemishes on an otherwise incredible career.
Inducted Into the Hall of Fame
Norman’s contributions to golf were recognized when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001. He received an overwhelming 80% approval rate for his induction, one of the highest percentages ever recorded. This solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats, as acknowledged by his fellow players.
A Master Course Designer
Beyond his playing career, Norman has built a successful reputation as a golf course designer. He has designed more than 100 courses worldwide, with some of his most notable projects including KN Golf Links, El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba, and Legend Danang Golf Resort. His influence on the game extends beyond competition, as he has helped shape the future of golf course design.
Passion for Fishing
Outside of golf, Norman has a deep passion for fishing, a hobby he actively shares on social media. His love for the sport has led him to participate in and win multiple fishing tournaments, adding yet another dimension to his list of accomplishments.
A Complicated Personal Life
Norman’s life off the course has been as eventful as his career in golf. He has been married three times, including a short-lived marriage to tennis legend Chris Evert. His high-profile relationships have often been a topic of discussion, reflecting the challenges of balancing a successful career with personal commitments.
A Late Start in Golf
Interestingly, Norman did not develop a serious interest in golf until he was 15 years old. Unlike many professional golfers who start at a very young age, Norman picked up the sport relatively late. He did not earn his PGA Tour card until he was 28, but despite this, he quickly established himself as a dominant force in professional golf.
Setting Records in Scoring
One of Norman’s most impressive records came in 1994 when he posted the lowest season-long scoring average in PGA Tour history at the time, finishing with an average of 68.81 strokes per round. This achievement highlighted his consistency and ability to perform at an elite level across multiple tournaments.
A Lasting Legacy
Greg Norman’s career has been filled with extraordinary achievements, near misses, and moments of brilliance that have left a lasting impact on the sport. As he turns 70, his influence in golf remains strong, whether through his course designs, business ventures, or continued involvement in the game. While his Masters heartbreaks remain a significant part of his story, his 70 international titles, world number-one ranking, and Hall of Fame induction solidify his status as one of the greatest golfers of all time.
As he embarks on the next chapter of his life, Norman’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of golfers.