The last time Greg Norman played in one of Golf's Majors it was the Open Championship of 2005, when he finished in a tie for 60th place. He hasn't actually been in contention in a Major since he finished tied for 18th in the Open Championship of 2003.
In 2006, he underwent a very messy divorce with his wife, Laura Andrassy, of 25 years. Followed shortly by his life rejuvenation and marriage to former Tennis star Chris Evert only a few weeks ago on June 28th, 2008.
Now The Shark has shot consecutive Even Par rounds at Royal Birkdale to lead the 2008 Open Championship.
Every Golf Fan remembers The Shark's dominance in the 80s and 90s. During 70 Major Tournaments that he played in over a 19 year span from 1981 to 1999, he finished in the Top 10 in 28 of them for a whopping 40%. Norman also won two Majors in the Span the 1986 and 1993 Open Championships and finished in second or tied for second another eight times. And won the Player's Championship in 1994, which most consider Golf's unofficial major.
Greg Norman is, however, best remember for some of his memorable Sunday loses and debacles. In 1986 he led all four majors after Saturday and only converted in the Open Championship. The worst of which came in the 1996 Masters when he blew a six shot lead on Sunday when he shot a 78 to Nick Faldo's 67. He is one of only two players to have played in and lost a play-off in every major tournament. He has been defeated by his own poor putting and Sunday play as well as some phenomenal come backs and great shots like the '86 PGA when Bob Tway had holed out from a green side bunker.
Norman is rejuvenated it appears, at least the way he is playing so far in the Open, and he has conquered the Open Championship in the past. After all in Tiger Woods and the US Open, we've already had one great Golf Success Story this year.
Greg Norman will always make it fun for us to watch. And if he is still in contention after tomorrow's round anything can happen. Will he crumble before his past and have another Sunday meltdown or will he triumph over his demons to bring home the win?
At the young age of 53 can Greg Norman give us one of the great comeback and success stories of 2008 at the Open?
Anne V
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