Greg Norman Goes Back to the Masters

At last year’s Open Championship one of the great stories was the wonderful play of Greg Norman. He contended for three days but fell out of the lead on the Sunday back nine as Padraig Harrington won his third major. In addition to all the adulation Norman received for his third place finish was an invitation to return to Augusta and the Masters Tournament. Norman had to do some deep thinking before he decided that he would accept the invite. With his past history at Augusta, many are surprised that Norman chooses to return. After all, Norman lost the Masters in some of the most heartbreaking finishes in modern golf.

In his prime Norman was the best player in the world and the most exciting player to watch. Unfortunately, he was also the most snake-bit golfer in history. In 1986 he led all four majors after the third round. He was able to finish that year with only the Open Championship crown. At the Masters that year Larry Mize chipped in from 45 yards off the green to win during a playoff and drive a stake into Norman’s heart. Some of the splinters may remain there. In 1996 Norman entered the final round with a six shot lead only to lose it all and watch Nick Faldo grab the green jacket that Norman had thought was his. The memories of Augusta are bittersweet indeed.

Last season Norman credited his new wife Chris Evert with encouraging him to play more on the Champions Tour. He rarely practiced last year but still was able to perform well enough to threaten at the Open. This year it appears he is making an effort to get his game in shape before he hits the hills at Augusta. Norman his scheduled to play at the U.S. PGA Tour’s Shell Houston Open the week before the Masters. He also will play in the Champion’s Tour Cap Cana Championship this week. Norman has never played in a regular Champion’s Tour Event. He has only played in the Majors on the senior circuit. It looks like Greg is taking his return seriously. He has said he has been practicing the shots needed at Augusta.

He says he has no expectations but really wants to get back to see all the changes at the course he still loves so much. Norman recently said,” I love the tradition and the heritage of Augusta…and I love the golf course. I grew up on the course and my length was really an advantage for me in the 80’s. I’m going back there because I love it, I love playing there, I love the people there, I love the establishment there. It’s just a good feeling for me there.”

Norman also said that his wife had never seen Augusta, so he wanted to take her there to show her his favorite tournament. Let’s hope that Norman will have some better memories to take home with him this year.