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Greg Norman: Rocking Back The Clock
The following is a post about golf. If you want to read something political, stop here.
I was the weird kid who watched tennis and golf. I first really noticed golf at age 12, a time when this cocky Australian with his stylish outfits and long game ascended to the top of the world rankings and drove TV ratings for the game. So, I watched golf even before Tiger won his first US Junior Amateur. And my favorite golfer - as my worn leather Great White Shark glove would attest - was Greg Norman.
Fast forward to July 19, 2008. Norman is leading the Open Championship by two strokes after three rounds. Greg freaking Norman.
That's 53-year-old Greg Norman. Leading a major championship.
That's Greg Norman, he of the "Saturday Slam" in 1986. Greg Norman of the Larry Mize and Bob Tway miracles.
That's Greg Norman, who's got more money than Croesus, thanks to his excellent business acumen. Greg Norman, who should be enjoying his recent marriage to Chris Evert while sitting on a beach he just bought somewhere.
Of course, Norman being Norman, and Royal Birkdale having 30-mph gusts this weekend, the man may be headed for yet another memorable Sunday collapse. But only one other 50-something (Julius Boros) has ever held a third-round major lead.
(Of course, this was the 1973 US Open, where Johnny Miller shot a final-round 63 at Oakmont Country Club to blow everyone away. So, Boros didn't exactly choke.)
Now, 12 years after the last time he led a major after three rounds, Norman's leading the way once again. Of course, 12 years ago was 1996, when Norman blew a six-shot lead in the Masters and lost to Nick Faldo.
That meltdown hurt to watch for any golf fan. But, 3 years past when he's eligible for the Senior TOUR, Norman would exorcise the ghosts of his major-championship past with a win tomorrow.
Here's hoping he does some ghostbusting.
We now return you to your regular Maverick mashing.
Comments (1)
I'm not a golfer, but his story is compelling. So I wish the best for him tomorrow...and apparently for you!
July 19, 2008 10:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
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