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From the Editor - Rod Morri
How good was it to see Greg Norman back making headlines for his golf rather than his off course exploits? I am, and always have been, an unashamed fan of The Shark and like many others have done my time in the middle of the night trying to cheer him home in the big events.
Norman's exploits at the majors are well known and there will undoubtedly be many jumping on the "choke" bandwagon after Birkdale. I won't be one of them as it seems a somewhat shallow and narrow assessment of what this game requires to win at the top level.
More importantly for mine was Norman's amazing performance over the first three days. It wasn't so much his physical fitness (even at 53 he could probably hold his own with many of the younger players on tour) but his lack of competitive play prior to the event that made it so impressive.
For the last couple of years Norman's schedule would easily qualify him to be this publication's ambassador. As the world's best social golfer, he would undoubtedly do a great job (if you're reading this Greg, the position is open if you want it). Given that, Birkdale, to me, was simply testament to his remarkable natural talent.
With The Open behind him, however, the focus now shifts to next year's US Masters, the tournament that has been the cause of so much heartache for the man. Although he claimed not to be thinking about it immediately after his Sunday round, I would be very surprised if it hasn't taken at least some of his attention by now.
It's unlikely he'd admit it but my money is on The Shark focussing every minute of his practise and competitive play from this point on towards a final, serious tilt at the green jacket. I can hear some of you scoffing as I write and in some ways that is as it should be. The notion of a 54-year-old part time player having a shot at the green jacket seems ridiculous. Don't forget, though, he wasn't supposed to have any chance at Birkdale, either.
Personally I hope the one person who counts, Norman himself, believes he can do it. If he doesn't, he has no chance. But if, somewhere in the back of his mind he can see Trevor Immelman slipping that green jacket on him, then who knows what could happen?
Truly great stories in life are few and far between. A retirement age Norman winning at Augusta National would certainly be one of them.
Agree or disagree?
Send us your thoughts on one or both of the following two questions and be in the running for the Smoothy Compact Buggy as our Letter of the Month.
1. Did the Great White Shark choke in the final round at Royal Birkdale?
2. Does Greg Norman have a realistic chance at winning the Masters next year?
Keep them brief (150 words or less) and send your response to:
ed@insidesocialgolf.com.au with Agree or Disagree in the subject line or by standard post to PO BOX 4056, RobinaTown Centre QLD, 4230 with Agree or Disagree on the envelope.
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