Greg Norman
Name:
Gregory John "Greg" NormanAlso known as:
The Great White Shark, The Shark.Country:
AustraliaBorn:
Feb 10, 1955 in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia.Original/Home Club:
Occupation:
Professional golfer; golf course designer; wine grower; beef producer; golf course owner (incl Valderrama); real estate developer; turf grower; entrepreneur.Turned Pro:
1976Website:
https://www.shark.comMAJORS (2): The Open (1986, '93). Presidents Cup player (1996, '98, 2000). Presidents Cup captain (2009, '11). Total professional wins (89), including Australasian Tour (31), PGA Tour (20), European Tour (14) and Japan Tour (2). PGA Tour leading money winner (1986, 1990, 1995). European Tour Order of Merit winner (1982). Australasian Order of Merit winner (1978, '80, '83, '84, '86, 88).
Held the official ranking of world's No.1 male golfer, for more weeks than any other golfer (except Tiger Woods). Old Tom Morris Award (2008, GCSAA). Inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame (2001). Appointed an AO, Officer of the Order of Australia.
Greg Norman Golf Course Design (GNGCD) has created many top class golf courses around the world, many of them renowned for being challenging and testing layouts. Well-known lead designers who have worked for GNGCD over the years include Bob Harrison (1988 to 2009), Jason McCoy (1992 onward), Tad Burnett (1996-2013) and Harley Kruse (2000 to 2010). The best known GNGCD designs include, but are not limited to:
UNITED STATES:
Barefoot, SC (2000, Norman course) / ChampionsGate, FL (1999, National and International courses) / Cornerstone, CO (2008) / Doral Resort, FL (2000, Great White course; now closed) / Elks Run, OH (1999) / The Grove, TN (2012) / Jupiter CC, FL (2007) / Koele, HI (1991, with Ted Robinson; formerly called the Experience at Koele; now closed) / Lansdowne Resort, VA (2005, Norman course) / Meadowbrook Farms, TX (1999) / Medalist, FL (1995, with Pete Dye) / Oldfield, SC (2002) / Parkland G&CC, FL (2004) / PGA West, CA (2000, Norman course) / Pompano Beach, FL (2013, redesign) / Red Sky, CO (2003, Norman course ) / The Reserve, SC (1998) / Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, FL (2003) / River Club, GA (2005) / Royal Melbourne CC, IL (1992, with Ted Robinson) / Shark's Tooth, FL (2002) / Savannah Quarters, GA (2006) / Stone Canyon, MO (2009) / Talis Park, FL (2010, with Pete Dye) / Tennessee National, TN (2006) / Tiburón, FL (1998 & 2001, Gold & Black courses) / TPC San Antonio, TX (2010, Oaks course, with Sergio Garcia) / TPC Sugarloaf, GA (1997) / Trump National GC Charlotte, NC (1999) / Vellano, CA (2007) / Wente Vineyards, CA (1998).
AMERICAS (beyond the United States):
CuisinArt, Anguilla (2011) / El Desafío, Arg (2015) / Litibu, Mex (2010) / Mar de Indias, Columbia (2020) / Mayakoba, Mex (2006, El Camaleon course) / Playa Mujeres, Mex (2005) / Puerto Los Cabos, Mex (2007, Mission-nine) / Punta Tiburon, Mex (2010) / Ranch San Lucas, Mex (2020) / Rio Mar CC, Puerto Rico (1997, River course) / Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman (2006, nine-hole course) / Sandals Emerald Bay, Bahamas (2003) / Vidanta, Mex (2016, Norman course) / Wyndance, Ont. (2007).
AUSTRALIA & PACIFIC:
Brookwater, Qld. (2002) / Cathedral GC, Vic. (2017) / CopperClub, SA (2012, 9-hole Dunes course) / The Eastern, Vic. (2015) / Ellerston, NSW (2001) / The Glades, Qld. (2000) / The Grand, Qld. (1997) / The Grange, SA (2012, redesign of East course) / Lao Lao Bay, Northern Mariana Islands (1995, East and West courses) / The National, Vic. (1999, Moonah course) / New South Wales GC, NSW (2000, modifications) / Pelican Waters, Qld. (2000) / Sanctuary Lakes, Vic. (2000) / Settlers Run, Vic. (2007) / Stonecutters Ridge, NSW (2012) / The Vintage, NSW (2003).
EUROPE, AFRICA & MDDLE EAST:
Al Mouj at the Wave, Oman (2011) / The Allegria, Egypt (2010) / Ayla, Jordan (2016) / Doonbeg, Ireland (2002) / Eye of Africa, S Africa (2010) / Jumeirah Estates, UAE (2009, Earth and Fire courses) / Lumine, Spain (2008, Lakes and 9-hole Ruins courses) / Peterhof GC, Russia (2017, with Steve Forrest) / Royal El Prat, Spain (2003, Rosa and Amarillo courses).
ASIA:
The Bluffs - Ho Tram Strip, Viet (2014) / Danang GC, Viet (2010, Dunes course) / Jade Palace, S Korea (2004) / Jaypee Greens, India (2001) / Kai Kou Xiamen, China (1989) / KN Links Cam Ranh, Viet (2019) / Laguna Bintan, Indonesia (1997) / Lao Lao Bay (Northern Mariana Islands) / Mission Hills Dongguan, China (2004, Norman course) / Nirwana Bali, Indonesia (1997) / Riverside GC, Indonesia (1995) / Shirasagi, Japan (1996) / Splendido Taal, Phil (2002) / Tering Bay, Indonesia (1995) / Thana City, Thai (1993) / Zhuhai Lakewood, China (2014, renovation of Norman course, previously called Mountain course).
Greg Norman, known as "The Great White Shark", is one of the greatest Australian golfers of the modern era. He won two major championships, but it could have been many more; he was runner-up on seven occasions. Norman learned to play golf at age 16 while caddying for his mother; two years later he was a scratch golfer ... and never looked back.
In a 30-year-career as a touring professional, it took Norman just four tournaments to record his first professional win. He eventually amassed 33 Australasian Tour, 20 PGA Tour and 14 European Tour titles, including two majors. He spent 331 consecutive weeks as the official world No.1 (only bettered by Tiger Woods' 683 weeks), and became the first player to surpass $12 million in career PGA Tour earnings.
In 2008, aged 53, Norman very nearly won his third Open Championship; played at Royal Birkdale. A final round 77 allowed Padraig Harrington and Ian Poulter to overhaul him. In an earlier major championship, the 1996 Masters Tournament, another final round "meltdown" cost him dear, this time with Nick Faldo romping home to take the title.
Norman's unbridled prosperity not only comes from expertly swinging a golf club and the PGA and European Tours that provided his springboard. As an entrepreneur and head of the Greg Norman Company (originally known as Great White Shark Enterprises), he has been successful in a wide range of business ventures, including: golf course design, designer golf clothing, wine production, real estate, investment financing, wakeboarding, upmarket golf carts, eyewear and beef production.
In 2022 Norman established and became CEO of the "rebel" LIV Golf series. Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia, this breakaway rival to the main international tours offered massive prize funds, guaranteed payouts and, for some, eye-watering signing-on bonuses. In its first year of competition the series signed-up a few notable but often "ageing" golf stars, together with an abundance of lower-ranked "unknowns".
America
x
Played as the Skins Game (Nov 24/25; PGA Tour unofficial money event). Norman (Aus) won all 18 skins and record prize money for this event. Tiger Woods (USA), Jesper Parnevik (Swe) and defending champion Colin Montgomerie (Scot) were all shut out with no skins thanks to a new and considerably more complicated scoring system. [North course, GC at Terra Lago, Indio, California; at the time known as Landmark GC].
Aus/NZ
Holden
Played as the Greg Norman Holden International (Feb 5-8; Aus Tr event). Second-placed José María Olazábal (Esp) finished 2 shots behind 42-year-old Greg Norman (Aus), who recorded the last of his 33 Australasian Tour wins. Norman's 272 set a new 72-hole course record at The Australian. [The Australian GC, Rosebery, Sydney, Aus].
America
Franklin Templeton
Played as the Franklin Templeton Shark Shootout (Nov 13-15; played over three rounds: 1-alternate shot; 2-better ball; 3-scramble). Winning team of Greg Norman (Aus) & Steve Elkington (Aus) beat Peter Jacobsen (USA) & John Cook (USA) with a birdie at the third playoff hole. [Sherwood CC, Thousand Oaks, nr LA, Calif.].
America
FedEx
Played as the FedEx St Jude Classic (June 26-29). Second-placed Dudley Hart (USA) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus). [TPC Southwind, Memphis, TN].
America
Andersen Consulting
Played as the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf (Jan 3/4; four-player final event that followed four regional qualifiers played in 1996). Norman (Aus) beat Scott Hoch (USA) 1-up in the 36-hole final. Previous day's semi-finals: Norman bt Hisayuki Sasaki (Jpn) 5 and 4; Hoch bt Sam Torrance (Scot) 4 and 2. [Grayhawk GC, Scottsdale, AZ].
America
NEC
Played as the NEC World Series of Golf (Aug 21-24). Second-placed and defending champion Phil Mickelson (USA) finished 4 shots behind Greg Norman (Aus), who recorded the last of his 20 PGA Tour wins. [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
America
Ryder
Played as the Doral Ryder Open (Feb 29-Mar 3). Second-placed Michael Bradley (USA) and Vijay Singh (Fiji) finished 2 shots behind Greg Norman (Aus), who recorded his third win in this event. [Blue Monster course, Doral Resort, Miami, FL].
Aus/NZ
Holden
Played as the Holden Australian Open (Nov 21-24). Second-placed Wayne Grady (Aus) finished 8 shots behind defending champion Norman (Aus), who recorded the last of his five Australian Open wins. [The Australian GC, Rosebery, Sydney, Aus].
Aus/NZ
Heineken
Played as the Heineken Australian Open (Nov 23-26). Second-placed Peter McWhinney (Aus) finished 2 shots behind Norman (Aus), who posted the fourth of his five Australian Open wins. [Kingston Heath GC, Melbourne, Australia].
America
NEC
Played as the NEC World Series of Golf (Aug 24-27). Greg Norman (Aus) beat Nick Price (Zim) and Billy Mayfair (USA) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [South course, Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio].
America
x
Played as The Memorial Tournament (June 1-4). Second-placed Steve Elkington (Aus) finished 4 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].
America
Canon
Played as the Canon Greater Hartford Open (June 22-25). Second-placed Dave Stockton (USA), Kirk Triplett (USA) and Grant Waite (NZ) finished 2 shots behind Greg Norman (Aus). [TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT].
Norman (Aus) won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the PGA Tour Player of the Year, based on the votes of his peers.
Awards
PGA of America
Norman (Aus) won the PGA of America Player of the Year Award (based on points allocated for PGA Tour wins, money-list position and scoring average).
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won his third Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA Tour 1995 leading money winner, with earnings of $1,654,959 on the Tour. Billy Mayfair (USA) was second with $1,543,192; Lee Janzen (USA) was third with $1,378,966.
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won his fifth (and third straight) PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Steve Elkington (Aus) was second with 69.59; Ernie Els (RSA) and Nick Price (Zim) were tied third with 69.81.
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won his fourth (and second straight) PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Fred Couples (USA) was second with 69.28; Nick Price (Zim) was third with 69.39.
Asia
Johnnie Walker
Played as the Johnnie Walker Classic (Eurpn Tr event in Asia). Second-placed Fred Couples (USA) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus). The win took Norman to the top of the Sony world golf rankings, ending Nick Faldo's 81-week reign at the top. [Canyon course, Blue Canyon CC, Phuket, Thailand].
Awards
PGA of America
Norman (Aus) won his third PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour (over a minimum of 60 rounds). Nick Price (Zim) was second with 69.39; Tom Lehman (USA) was third with 69.46. Fred Couples (USA) averaged 69.28, but played only 51 rounds.
America
x
Played as The Players Championship (March 24-27). Second-placed Fuzzy Zoeller (USA) finished 4 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Stadium Course, TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL].
America
PGA of America
Played as the PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Nov 8/9; unofficial event for the season's four Major winners). Second-placed Nick Price (The Open and US PGA) finished 3 shots behind defending champion Norman (previous major winner). Third with 143 was Ernie Els (US Open). Fourth with 144 was José María Olazábal (The Masters). [Poipu Bay GC, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands].
America
Ryder
Played as the Doral Ryder Open (March 4-7). Second-placed Mark McCumber (USA) and Paul Azinger (USA) finished 3 shots behind Greg Norman (Aus), who recorded his second win in this event. [Blue Monster course, Doral Resort, Miami, FL].
Majors
R&A
The Open Championship (122nd) (July 15-18). Second-placed Nick Faldo (Eng) finished 2 shots behind Norman (Aus), who recorded his second Open Championship win. [Royal St George's GC, Sandwich, Kent].
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won his third PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Nick Price (Zim) was second with 69.11; David Frost (RSA) was third with 69.48.
America
PGA of America
Played as the PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Nov 16/17; unofficial event for the season's four Major winners). Second-placed Paul Azinger (US PGA) finished 2 shots behind Norman (The Open). Tied third on 148 were Lee Janzen (US Open) and Bernhard Langer (The Masters). [Nicklaus Tournament (resort) course, PGA West, La Quinta, CA].
Japan
Sumitomo
Played as the Sumitomo VISA Taiheiyo Masters (Nov 11-14; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Yoshi Mizumaki (Jpn) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus), who snatched victory with an eagle at the par-5 final hole. Norman recorded the second of his two Japan Tour wins. [Gotemba course, Taiheiyo Club, Gotemba, Shizuoka, Jpn].
America
x
Played as the Canadian Open (Sept 10-13). Greg Norman (Aus) beat Bruce Lietzke (USA) with a birdie at the second playoff hole, to record his second win in this event. [Glen Abbey GC, Oakville, nr Toronto, Ont.].
America
x
Played as The Memorial Tournament (May 10-13). Second-placed Payne Stewart (USA) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus), who recorded his tenth PGA Tour win. Reduced to 54 holes due to bad weather. [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].
Awards
PGA of America
Norman (Aus) won his second straight PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour (over a minimum of 60 rounds). Larry Mize (USA) was second with 69.49; Tim Simpson (USA) was third with 69.73.
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won his second PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Larry Mize (USA) was second with 69.49; Tim Simpson (USA) was third with 69.73.
America
Ryder
Played as the Doral Ryder Open (Mar 1-4). Greg Norman (Aus) beat Paul Azinger (USA), Mark Calcavecchia (USA) and Tim Simpson (USA) with an eagle at the first playoff hole. [Blue Monster course, Doral Resort, Miami, FL].
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won his second Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA Tour 1990 leading money winner, with earnings of $1,165,477 on the Tour. Wayne Levi (USA) was second with $1,024,647; Payne Stewart (USA) was third with $976,281.
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Masters. Won by Greg Norman (Aus) for the second straight year.
America
x
Played as the Greater Milwaukee Open (Aug 31-Sept 3). Second-placed Andy Bean (USA) finished 3 shots behind Greg Norman (Aus). [Tuckaway CC, Franklin, nr Milwaukee, Wisc.].
Japan
x
Played as The Crowns - International Invitation Golf (April 27-30; Japan Tr event; aka the Chunichi Crowns). Second-placed Blaine McAllister (USA) and Koichi Suzuki (Jpn) finished 3 shots behind first-time Japan Tour winner Norman (Aus). [Wago course, Nagoya GC, Aichi, Japan].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Masters. Won by Greg Norman (Aus).
x
Awards
PGA of America
Norman (Aus) won the PGA of America Vardon Trophy, recording the season's lowest scoring average on the PGA Tour (over a minimum of 60 rounds). Tom Kite (USA) was second with 69.57; Paul Azinger (USA) was third with 69.57. Payne Stewart (USA) also averaged 69.49, but became ineligible for the Trophy after withdrawing from the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
America
x
Played as The International (Aug 17-20; modified stableford format). Second-placed Clarence Rose (USA) finished 2 points behind Norman (Aus). [Castle Pines GC, Castle Rock, nr Denver, Colorado].
America
MCI
Played as the MCI Heritage Classic (April 14-17). Second-placed David Frost (RSA) and Gil Morgan (USA) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus). [Harbour Town Links, Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head, SC].
Norman (Aus) won his sixth Australia/NZ Tour Order of Merit.
x
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won the PGA Tour Byron Nelson Award, recording the season's lowest scoring average (over a minimum of 50 rounds). Chip Beck (USA) was second with 69.46; Sandy Lyle (Scot) and Tom Kite (USA) were tied third with 69.53.
Europe
Lancia
Played as the Lancia Italian Open. Second-placed Craig Parry (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus). [Red course, GC Monticello, Cassina Rizzardi, nr Como].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Masters. Won by Greg Norman (Aus).
Aus/NZ
Panasonic
Played as the Panasonic Australian Open (Nov 26-30). Sandy Lyle (Scot) finished 10 shots behind Norman (Aus), who recorded the third of his five Australian Open wins. Monday finish required after the cancellation of Sunday's final round due to high winds. [Composite of East & West courses, Royal Melbourne GC, Victoria, Aus].
America
Panasonic
Played as the Panasonic Las Vegas Invitational (April 30-May 4). Second-placed Dan Pohl (USA) finished 7 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Las Vegas CC, Las Vegas, NV. Earlier rounds also at: Desert Inn CC (now Wynn G&CC) and Spanish Trail G&CC].
Awards
PGA Tour
Norman (Aus) won the Arnold Palmer Award as the PGA Tour 1986 leading money winner, with earnings of $653,296 on the Tour. Bob Tway (USA) was second with $652,780; Payne Stewart (USA) was third with $535,389.
Europe
Panasonic
Played as the Panasonic European Open (Sept 11-14). Norman (Aus) beat Ken Brown (Scot) with a birdie at the first playoff hole. [Old course, Sunningdale GC, Sunningdale, Berks].
Europe
Suntory
Played as the Suntory World Match Play Championship (Oct 2-5). Norman (Aus) beat Sandy Lyle (Scot) 2 and 1 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
America
Kemper Insurance
Played as the Kemper Open (May 29-Jun 1). Greg Norman (Aus) beat Larry Mize (USA) with a par at the sixth playoff hole, to record his second win in three years in this event. [Blue course, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland].
America
PGA of America
Played as the PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Sept 1; unofficial event for the season's four Major winners; last played in 1982). Second-placed Fuzzy Zoeller (alternate for US Open Champion Ray Floyd) finished 2 shots behind Norman (The Open). Tied third on 75 were Jack Nicklaus (The Masters) and Bob Tway (US PGA). [Kemper Lakes GC, Kildeer, nr Chicago, Illinois].
Norman (Aus) won his fifth Australia/NZ Tour Order of Merit.
Majors
R&A
The Open Championship (115th) (July 17-20). Second-placed Gordon J. Brand (Eng) finished 5 shots behind Norman (Aus), who recorded the first of his two Open Championship wins. [Ailsa course, Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire].
Aus/NZ
Natl Panasonic
Played as the National Panasonic Australian Open (Nov 14-17). Second-placed Ossie Moore (Aus) finished 2 shots behind Norman (Aus). This was the second of five Australian Open wins for Norman. Event reduced to 54 holes due to heavy rain on the first day. [Composite of East & West courses, Royal Melbourne GC, Victoria, Aus].
Aus/NZ
Toshiba
Played as the Toshiba Australian PGA Ch'ship. Won by Greg Norman (Aus).
Norman (Aus) won his fourth (and second straight) Australia/NZ Tour Order of Merit.
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Masters. Won by Greg Norman (Aus) for the second straight year.
Aus/NZ
Toshiba
Played as the Toshiba Australian PGA Ch'ship. Won by Greg Norman (Aus). [Monash CC, nr Sydney, NSW, Australia].
America
x
Played as the Canadian Open (75th) (Jun 28-Jul 1). Second-placed Jack Nicklaus (USA) finished 2 shots behind Greg Norman (Aus), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. [Glen Abbey GC, Oakville, nr Toronto, Ont.].
America
Kemper Insurance
Played as the Kemper Open (May 31-Jun 3). Second-placed Mark O'Meara (USA) finished 5 shots behind first-time PGA Tour winner Norman (Aus). [Blue course, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland].
America
x
Played as the Kapalua International (Nov 2-5; PGA Tour post-season unofficial money event). Second-placed Lanny Wadkins (USA), Ben Crenshaw (USA) and Scott Simpson (USA) finished 6 shots behind Norman (Aus), who recorded his first win in America. [Bay course, Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii].
Europe
Suntory
Played as the Suntory World Match Play Championship (Oct 6-9). Norman (Aus) beat Nick Faldo (Eng) 3 and 2 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
Asia
Cathay Pacific
Played as the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open. Second-placed Mark James (Eng) finished 3 shots behind Norman (Aus). Reduced to 36 holes due to bad weather. [Hong Kong GC, Fanling; composite of 10 holes from Eden course, 8 from the New; at the time known as Royal Hong Kong GC].
Norman (Aus) won his third Australia/NZ Tour Order of Merit.
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Masters. Won by Greg Norman (Aus).
Europe
x
Played as the Cannes Invitational (not on European Tour schedule). Won by Greg Norman (Aus). [Cannes Mougins GCC, Mougins, nr Cannes, France].
Europe
Benson & Hedges
Played as the Benson & Hedges International Open (Aug 19-22). Second-placed Bob Charles (NZ), Graham Marsh (Aus) and Ian Woosnam (Wales) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus). [Fulford GC, York, North Yorkshire].
Europe
State Express
Played as the State Express English Classic (July 7-10). Second-placed Brian Marchbank (Scot) finished 1 shot behind Greg Norman (Aus). [Brabazon course, The Belfry, Wishaw, nr Birmingham].
Europe
Dunlop
Played as the Dunlop Masters (June 10-13). Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 8 shots behind defending champion Norman (Aus). [Old course, St Pierre Hotel & CC, Chepstow, S Wales].
Awards
Eurpn Tr
Norman (Aus) won his second Harry Vardon Trophy as the European Tour 1982 Order of Merit winner, with earnings of £66,405 on the Tour. Sandy Lyle (Scot) was second with £61,517; Sam Torrance (Scot) was third with £61,516, just £1 behind Lyle.
Europe
Martini
Played as the Martini International (May 14-17). Second-placed Bernhard Langer (Ger) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus), who recorded his fifth European Tour win, and third win in this event in five years. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
Europe
Dunlop
Played as the Dunlop Masters (May 28-31). Second-placed Graham Marsh (Aus) finished 4 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Duke's course, Woburn GC, nr Milton Keynes, Bucks].
Aus/NZ
x
Played as the Australian Masters. Terry Gale (Aus) and N. Suzuki (Jpn) finished in second place behind Norman (Aus).
Europe
Paco Rabanne
Played as the Paco Rabanne Open de France. Second-placed Ian Mosey (Eng) finished 10 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Vert course, Saint Cloud GC, Garches, nr Paris].
Norman (Aus) won his second Australia/NZ Tour Order of Merit.
Europe
Scandinavian Enterprise
Played as the Scandinavian Enterprise Open (July 3-6). Second-placed Mark James (Eng) finished 3 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Vasatorps GK, Helsingborg, Sweden].
Europe
Suntory
Played as the Suntory World Match Play Championship (Oct 9-12). Norman (Aus) beat Sandy Lyle (Scot) by 1 hole in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
Aus/NZ
Dunhill
Played as the Dunhill Australian Open (Nov 13-16). Second-placed Brian Jones (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus), who posted the first of his five Australian Open wins. [The Lakes GC, Sydney, Aus].
Europe
Martini
Played as the Martini Internationa (May 25-28). Second-placed Antonio Garrido (Esp) and John Morgan (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Norman (Aus), who recorded his second win in this event in three years. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].
Asia
Cathay Pacific
Played as the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Open. Second-placed Lu Hsi-chun (Taiw), Hsu Chi-san (Taiw) and Chen Tse-ming (Taiw) finished 3 shots behind Norman (Aus). [Hong Kong GC, Fanling; composite of 10 holes from Eden course, 8 from the New; at the time known as Royal Hong Kong GC].
Norman (Aus) won the Australia/NZ Tour 1978 Order of Merit.
Europe
Martini
Played as the Martini International (June 8-11). Second-placed Simon Hobday (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Norman (Aus), who recorded the first of his 14 European Tour wins. [Rosemount course, Blairgowrie GC, Blairgowrie, Perthshire].
Tournament of Champions: the PGA Tour’s calendar-year starts, as it has done since 1999, with this iconic event in Hawaii. The field is drawn from players who won a PGA Tour event in 2022, or were amongst the top 30 in last year’s FedEx Cup final standings (Jan 6-9).
Desert Swing: the European (DP World) Tour launches into 2023 with three events in its UAE “Desert Swing”. Up first is the Abu Dhabi Championship (Jan 19-22), followed by the Dubai Desert Classic (Jan 26-29) and the Ras Al Kaimah Championship (Feb 2-5).
Kathy Whitworth: the end of 2022 saw the passing of LPGA Tour legend Kathy Whitworth. Her 88 LPGA Tour victories is more than achieved by any other golfer on either the LPGA or PGA Tours. Amongst her victories were six major championship titles.
Barry Lane: the golfing world was also saddened by the passing of Barry Lane, one of the European Tour and European Senior Tours most popular players. Enjoying success on both Tours, Lane was know for his excellent ball-striking and amiable personality.
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Costa’s "Cruise & Golf" allows golfers and their families to combine a unique golfing experience with the relaxation and fun of a cruise on board Costa Smeralda. Golf enthusiasts are offered a choice from 23 top-quality golf clubs; their chosen courses are played during the ship’s port calls in Italy, France and Spain. While the golfers are driving the fairways, accompanying non-golfers are able to enjoy the amenities and activities on-board, or explore wonderful places on day excursions organised by Costa. Read more ...
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