When you’re tall, fit, tan, blond, rich, wildly successful in business, and married to an attractive tennis legend, it’s not easy to be a sympathetic figure. But that’s how golf fans view Greg Norman.
After compiling a staggering list of major championship disappointments on the PGA Tour, Norman is keeping with the script on the Champions circuit.
Recommended Stories
In the Senior Open Championship in the suburbs of London, Norman did it again with a signature Sunday collapse that included a tentative putting and questionable decision-making.
At No. 17, a short par 4 where most players teed off with hybrids and irons, Norman pulled a driver out of his bag and blocked it right, into the trees, leading to a double bogey when a birdie would have tied him for the lead. While playing partner Loren Roberts eventually won in a playoff over Mark McNulty and Fred Funk, Norman faded to a tie for sixth place.
It was the eighth time in nine PGA and Champions Tour majors that Norman has failed to win when entering the final round with the lead.
In PGA majors, Norman had 30 finishes in the top 10 and 20 in the top five, with only two titles — the British Open in 1983 and 1986. In seven appearances in Champions Tour majors, Norman has six finishes in the top six without a win.
There’s no shame in losing these days. Norman, 54, now plays golf for fun, appearing at high-profile events when his schedule allows. Still, there was immense disappointment etched on Norman’s face as he played the inconsequential 18th hole Sunday at Sunningdale.
With his extraordinary talent and fitness, Norman can still play with the Champions Tour grinders. But one thing never changes — Norman’s penchant for playing poorly when the stakes are high.
“My game felt good, no question about it,” said Norman. “I just lack a lot of match practice.”
And apparently, a lot of match nerve.
