Greg Norman - Biography Biography Verizon Biography Arguably the most successful athlete-turned-businessman in the world, Greg Norman is known as much for his entrepreneurial spirit in the boardroom as his dominance on the golf course. The internationally recognized “Great White Shark” won more than 90 tournaments worldwide, including two British Open Championships, and claims the distinction of having held the No. 1 position in the world rankings for 331 consecutive weeks. As one of the most prolific players in the game’s history, the culmination of an astounding career came in 2001 when he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. In 2009 and 2011, Greg served as the Presidents Cup Captain of the International Team and his strong influence in the game continues today. Legendary for his tenacity and pursuit of perfection, Greg Norman has approached business with the same vigor with which he attacked the golf course and has parlayed his success into a multi-national corporation, the Greg Norman Company, which he currently serves as Chairman & CEO.

With numerous different businesses today, the Greg Norman Company is a mini-conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of well-established and successful companies ranging from lifestyle-driven consumer products (apparel, wine), to golf course design (95 international courses), to asset-based debt lending (Great White Shark Opportunity Fund). Additionally, his philanthropic efforts have quietly raised more than 12 million dollars for charities including CureSearch for Children's Cancer and the Environmental Institute for Golf promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. While his well-documented accomplishments on the golf course have assured his place in sporting history, his sound business acumen has established him as world-class entrepreneur. Shark.com - Official Site of Greg Norman & the Greg Norman Company Learn More Established in 1987, Greg Norman Golf Course Design is considered one of the top three global golf course design companies in the world. Greg Norman Golf Course Design has become a leader in environmental stewardship, promoting the compatibility of golf courses with the environment and adapting a unique design philosophy that establishes individual character with an emphasis on aesthetics and playability.

Learn More Launched in 1996 by golfing great and wine connoisseur Greg Norman, Greg Norman Estates (GNE) is an international success with a collection of 14 varietals from Australia, California and Argentina. Created from passion and strengthened by determination, the wines speak true to this global man, reflecting his experiences while traveling the world over. Learn More Greg Norman Australian Prime (GNAP) is a branded line of premium Wagyu steak and beef products, developed and exported with the world’s leading beef producer, Australian Agricultural Company (AAco). Established in 1824, AAco's properties total more than 20 million acres or nearly 2 percent of Australia's land mass. Learn More Shop Now The Great White Shark Opportunity Fund (GWSOF) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Greg Norman Company – golfing legend Greg Norman’s private-conglomerate. GWSOF was launched in 2013 as a result of the global financial crises and a dislocation in the traditional lending markets. The industry agnostic platform is an alternative lending and flexible capital source to small and mid-cap growth oriented companies via an asset based debt lending structure.

Learn More Greg Norman Developments is a real estate development and investment company that specializes in the creation of exclusive ‘branded’ living environments. By incorporating internationally acclaimed brands and personalities into the design, packaging and marketing of luxury residential real estate offerings, Greg Norman Developments has become an industry leader in differentiating and adding value to residential developments. Learn More Located at Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy (GNCGA) is one of the most distinctive golf learning centers in the country as it features the most comprehensive training programs for all ages and skill levels. Created to meet the needs of top golfers at every stage of their amateur and professional development, GNCGA is built on the professional playing career and instructional know-how of Hall-of-Fame golfer, Greg Norman. Learn More The Medalist Village stands alone as the premier private residential golf community in historic Hobe Sound, Fla. with new estate homes starting at $1 million. Founded by golfing legend Greg Norman in 1995, the unique, niche development is surrounded by 870 acres of untouched, pristine natural Florida preserve.

With only 119 residences, the low-density plan allows for the privacy, tranquility and relaxation not found in any other South Florida locale. Learn More Driven by a passion for watersports and a commitment to bringing wakeboarding to the masses, Shark Wake Park is dedicated to building and operating the world’s best cable wake parks. The newest addition to a distinguished list of action sports throughout the world, cable wakeboarding allows for the best of the extreme nature of wakeboarding, without the need for a boat. Learn More Established in 1987, Greg Norman Golf Course Design is considered one of the top three global golf course design companies in the world. Greg Norman Golf Course Design has become a leader in environmental stewardship, promoting the compatibility of golf courses with the environment and adapting a unique design philosophy that establishes individual character with an emphasis on aesthetics and playability. Learn More Launched in 1996 by golfing great and wine connoisseur Greg Norman, Greg Norman Estates (GNE) is an international success with a collection of 14 varietals from Australia, California and Argentina. Created from passion and strengthened by determination, the wines speak true to this global man, reflecting his experiences while traveling the world over.

Learn More Greg Norman Eyewear was created in partnership with Aspex Eyewear Group, an industry leader hailed for its combination of innovative technology and cutting-edge design. Both the Greg Norman and Aspex brands embody the concepts of high standards and an uncompromising adherence to quality. Bold and dynamic designs for Greg Norman Eyewear are realized using only premium materials to create a full line of prescription eyewear, polarized sunwear and a new collection of patented reading glasses. Learn More Greg Norman Australian Prime (GNAP) is a branded line of premium Wagyu steak and beef products, developed and exported with the world’s leading beef producer, Australian Agricultural Company (AAco). Established in 1824, AAco's properties total more than 20 million acres or nearly 2 percent of Australia's land mass. Learn More The Great White Shark Opportunity Fund (GWSOF) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Greg Norman Company – golfing legend Greg Norman’s private-conglomerate. GWSOF was launched in 2013 as a result of the global financial crises and a dislocation in the traditional lending markets.

The industry agnostic platform is an alternative lending and flexible capital source to small and mid-cap growth oriented companies via an asset based debt lending structure. Learn More Greg Norman Developments is a real estate development and investment company that specializes in the creation of exclusive ‘branded’ living environments. By incorporating internationally acclaimed brands and personalities into the design, packaging and marketing of luxury residential real estate offerings, Greg Norman Developments has become an industry leader in differentiating and adding value to residential developments. Learn More Located at Barefoot Resort in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy (GNCGA) is one of the most distinctive golf learning centers in the country as it features the most comprehensive training programs for all ages and skill levels. Created to meet the needs of top golfers at every stage of their amateur and professional development, GNCGA is built on the professional playing career and instructional know-how of Hall-of-Fame golfer, Greg Norman. Learn More The Medalist Village stands alone as the premier private residential golf community in historic Hobe Sound, Fla. with new estate homes starting at $1 million.

Founded by golfing legend Greg Norman in 1995, the unique, niche development is surrounded by 870 acres of untouched, pristine natural Florida preserve. With only 119 residences, the low-density plan allows for the privacy, tranquility and relaxation not found in any other South Florida locale. Learn More Driven by a passion for watersports and a commitment to bringing wakeboarding to the masses, Shark Wake Park is dedicated to building and operating the world’s best cable wake parks. The newest addition to a distinguished list of action sports throughout the world, cable wakeboarding allows for the best of the extreme nature of wakeboarding, without the need for a boat. "The Great White Shark" Goes Red Livestock > Cow-Calf "The Great White Shark" Goes Red Pro Golfer Greg Norman, an Australian known as "The Great White Shark," has expanded his ranching and ag enterprises by introducing a line of premium Wagyu beef into the U.S. Called "Greg Norman Australian Prime," the line recently celebrated its first anniversary in the U.S.

Burt Rutherford | Jan 04, 2008 Pro Golfer Greg Norman, an Australian known as "The Great White Shark," has expanded his ranching and ag enterprises by introducing a line of premium Wagyu beef into the U.S. Called "Greg Norman Australian Prime," the line recently celebrated its first anniversary in the U.S. According to General Manager Russ Supplee, the line offers two products -- the Signature Wagyu (360-day, grain-fed Kobe-style product) and Greg Norman Premium (fed a more standard 130 days). The company moved 10 tons of each in 2007. "We're expecting to increase both lines 30-35% in volume" in 2008, Supplee says, with most of the increase coming from retail stores. Their main outlets have been high-end food service, such as golf clubs, resorts and white-tablecloth restaurants. But high-end retailers are asking for more product, and Supplee says their sirloin cuts, as well as hamburger patties and hot dogs, are selling well in retail stores. "Americans and the demographic we're targeting have an appreciation for a good, imported product," he says.

"That's not to say it's always their product of choice. But when presented with something like this, I think the Australian connection works to our advantage." That's why Supplee doesn't see the country-of-origin labeling fight in the farm bill as a threat. "I think it will either work to our advantage or will have no negative impact on us," he says. Americans have an affinity for Australia, he said, and the country is usually No. 1 in surveys of places Americans want to visit. "We have retailers and restaurants that don't necessarily brand it Greg Norman, but they brand it Australian. Either of those brand attributes works to our advantage." Because of what he calls a "rapidly shrinking supply of USDA Prime," he says U.S. beef producers don't have cause for worry. They're a niche product, he says, and the niche they're trying to reach is top-end Prime beef -- a niche U.S. brands have been unable to fill. "Certified Angus Beef® was a brand when it first started, but now it's almost like saying Xerox in some ways. It's just been out there for so long it's become diluted.

I think we bring a very exciting product into a market that hasn't seen a branded product on this level in quite some time, if ever," he says. Related Greg Norman - Golfer - Biography.com Greg Norman Despite his successes, Australian golfer Greg Norman earned a reputation for his inability to sustain leads in several major tournaments. IN THESE GROUPS Famous Australians Synopsis Born on February 10, 1955, in Mount Isa, Australia, Greg Norman became a professional golfer despite a late introduction to the sport. "The Great White Shark" compiled 91 pro victories and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001, but also endured a series of high-profile defeats. A successful businessman, Norman founded Great White Shark Enterprises to oversee his ventures. Early Years Gregory John Norman was born on February 10, 1955, in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. He played rugby and Australian Rules football while growing up, but became hooked on golf at age 15 after serving as a caddy for his mom, Toini.

Within a couple of years he was playing to a scratch handicap, and after participating in a series of amateur events, he turned pro at age 21 in 1976. Professional Highs and Lows Norman earned his first professional tour victory at the West Lakes Classic in 1976, and impressed at the 1977 Martini International to claim his first European Tour victory. He made a splash in his first Masters Tournament in 1981, earning the nickname "The Great White Shark" for his aggressive approaches, before finishing fourth. Norman began competing on the American PGA Tour full-time in 1983, and won the Kemper and Canadian Opens the following year. He became known as one of golf’s more charismatic figures, but also developed a reputation for his inability to close out victories when the pressure mounted. In 1986, Norman entered the final day of play with the lead in all four major tournaments, but lost three of them.

He suffered an agonizing defeat on the heels of Larry Mize's miracle 45-yard pitch shot in the 1987 Masters playoff, and submitted perhaps the most notorious collapse of his career on the same course nine years later, when his six-stroke lead vaporized with a final-round 78. Despite his highly publicized shortcomings, Norman enjoyed tremendous success in the sport. His 91 professional victories include two British Open championships, and he was ranked the No. 1 player in the world for a total of 331 weeks in the 1980s and '90s. In addition, he led the PGA Tour in earnings and scoring average three times each, and was named its "Player of the Year" in 1995. Norman's level of play diminished after he suffered a shoulder injury in the late 1990s, but he continued to compete regularly, and was honored with induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001. Even after turning 50 and earning qualification to the Champions Tour, the aggressive Australian occasionally teed off against the top players that succeeded him, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, on the regular PGA Tour.

Off the Course Norman established his Greg Norman Golf Course Design company in 1987, and expanded into other business avenues even as he maintained his full-time touring schedule. He founded the Greg Norman Collection clothing line in 1992, and made his foray into the wine industry with the formation of Greg Norman Estates in 1996. Today, the golfing great maintains his thriving business interests under the umbrella of Great White Shark Enterprises. Fact Check We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us ! Citation Information Golf Today's A to Z of Golf: Nicknames of golfers, past and present Nicknames of golfers, past and present A Aquaman Woody Austin: he fell in a lake on the follow-through from a difficult lie on the bank during the 2007 Presidents Cup B Babe Mildred Ella Didrikson Zaharias: hugely gifted all-round sportwoman, called 'Babe' (from Babe Ruth) after hitting five home runs in a baseball game. 41 LPGA wins, including ten majors (four of them won as an amateur). Big Easy Ernie Els: because he's big, and makes it look so easy.

Big Fijian Tough one, this. It's Vijay Singh. Because he's big (1m88, 94kg) too, and he's from Fiji. Big Mama JoAnne Carner: winner of 43 LPGA titles, including two US Women's Opens - a tall, powerful woman. Big Wiesy Michelle Wie: tall, willowy and with effortless length, ie a sort of female Ernie Els. Black Knight, The Gary Player: South African legend, famous for wearing black, supposedly to help him absorb the sun's energy. Boo Thomas Brent Weekley, a keen hunter and woodsman (from Boo Boo Bear, cartoon character friend of Yogi Bear) Boom Boom Fred Couples: a reference to his immense power off the tee. Boss of the Moss Loren Roberts: one of the finest putters in the game. Buffalo Bill Billy Casper: prolific winner of tournaments from the 50's to early 70s, including two US Opens and a Masters. Fought a lifelong battle with his weight, and ate buffalo meat and organic vegetables to try and keep it down.

Bulldog Corey Pavin : a reference to his gritty, determined, never-give-up playing style, rather than his slight, short-hitting physique. Won the 1995 US Open with a memorable 4-wood to 5 feet on the final hole. C Champagne Tony Tony Lema: winner of the 1964 Open Championship. Aquired the name after promising champagne to the press if he won the Orange County Open in 1962 (he did). Died aged 32 in 1966 when his plane ran out of fuel and crashed onto a golf course. Chippie Paul Lawrie: 1999 Open Champion, for his enviable short game, developed as a child by chipping balls into a small gravel circle in which stood the rotating clothes line on which his mother hung the washing. Chocolate Soldier Henry Picard: American winner of the Masters and US PGA, contemporary of Sam Snead and Ben Hogan. "Pick" to his friends, he was head pro at the Hershey Country Club in the 1930s, whence the nickname. Also called the "Hershey Hurricane".

Choke, The Scott Hoch: unforgiving reference to his habit of challenging for, but losing major titles, including missing two 2-3 foot putts in the 1989 Masters which ultimately gave Nick Faldo the title. Chucky Three Sticks Charles Gordon Howell III: as in I, I and I... D Doc Gil Morgan: successful US pro (7 PGA and 25 Champuions Tour wins, who is also a qualified Doctor of Optometry. Double D Former world number one David Duval. Duffy James Joseph Waldorf, Jr: four-time PGA Tour winner and wine connaisseur, with a taste in flamboyant shirts and golf balls decorated by his children. El Gato Eduardo Romero: Spanish for cat - the Argentine has a feline way of stalking around his shots. El Niño Sergio Garcia : first came on tour as a brash teenager and had a 'whirlwind' style on the course. F Frank Urban Zoeller: from his initials F.U.Z. Winner of the Masters amd the US Open. G Ben Crenshaw: ironic reference to his fierce temper, despite angelic looks.

Giant, The Craig Smith: to date, his main claim to fame is being the world's tallest touring professional at 6ft 8in (2m.03). Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus - from his blond hair, large frame, aggressive golf and large fortune earned in golf and business. Goose, The Retief Goosen - enough said, although strictly speaking the nickname is linguistically incorrect, as his name is pronounced 'Hersen' in his native Afrikaans. Great White Shark Greg Norman, big, blond, Australian former world no. 1. Ironically, despite the nickname and his prodigious number of tournament victories around the world, he is arguably more famous for the major championships he failed to win than for those (2 Open Championships) he won. H Haig, The Walter Hagen : also called "Sir Walter" - golf's first superstar. He won eleven of what are now called the majors (before the Masters existed); only Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have more. Did much to change the perception of professional golfers and their status in golf. Halimoney Hal Sutton: the 2004 (losing) US Ryder captain has three ex-wives.

Hawk, The Ben Hogan: probably for his ability to intimidate opponents with his skills, but also his icy stare and stony silence as he went about his game. Possibly the greatest ball-striker of all time (definitely the best, according to Jack Nicklaus). Huckleberry Dillinger Early nickname for Tom Watson (who comes from Kansas City, Missouri), because his innocent looking, smiling face belied a killer instinct in his golf. I (Wee) Ice Mon Ben Hogan: name given to Hogan by admiring Scots after his (only appearance and victory) in the Open Championship at Carnoustie. Also called "Bantam Ben", for his lightweight, yet powerful build. J Mark James: (losing) 1999 European Ryder Cup captain, after the US outlaw. Jumbo Masashi 'Junbo' Ozaki is a large man in a country of generally smaller men, and immensely long off the tee. In the late 80s and 90s he was frequently in the Official World Golf Ranking top ten.

K King, The Arnold Palmer: to millions of adoring fans (Arnie's Army) he was simply the King, the most popular golfer of all time, who did much to create the modern game and its huge following, with his swashbuckling golf style and charismatic personality. L Lefty Phil Mickelson: not very original, although strangely he is right-handed in everything else, having started golf by copying his father's swing like a mirror-image, hence the left-handedness). Lumpy Tim Herron: given to him when he was 15 and working at a golf course by his colleagues, on account of his unstructured body shape. M Machine, The Gene Littler: from his technically perfect, beatiful golf swing. Name also applied to Ben Hogan, although his swing was more mechanical in its flawlessness. Mechanic, The Miguel Angel Jimenez: the Spaniard loves to tinker with high-performance cars (in partiucular his own Ferrari), having spent six months working in a garage before he became a professional golfer. Merry Mex Lee Trevino: although American, he had Mexican roots. From his habit of wisecracking throughout a round, even sometimes on his backswing.

Probably a way of controlling his own nerves, and likely also a gamesmanship tactic against his opponents. As his career blossomed, "Merry Mex" evolved into "Supermex". Miss 59 Annika Sorenstam, who shot the only 59 ever on the LPGA Tour in the second round of the 2001 Standard Register Ping tournament over the par-72 Moon Valley Country Club in Phoenix. Her personalised Callaway golf balls have '59' stamped on them. Monty Affectionate, not very original name for Colin Montgomerie, eight time European Order of Merit winner. Also sometimes called 'Mrs Doubtfire' in America, after the Robin Williams film character, but this is best said out of his hearing. N O Ohio Fats Jack Nicklaus: name given to him by 'Arnie's Army' (fans of Arnold Palmer) in the early to mid-60s when he was a young pretender knocking 'The King' off his throne . Nicklaus came from Columbus, Ohio and was overweight when he went on Tour, although he slimmed down in the late 60s.

P Kim Mi-Hyun, successful Korean LPGA player, only 5ft 1 and small with it. Pink Panther Paula Creamer: pink is her trademark, from her clothing to her hair ribbon, golf ball, club grips and bag. Pink Panther Jesper Parnevik: the eccentric Swede has an individual dress sense and was freqently seen in various shades of pink. Popeye Craig Parry, after the cartoon character with huge forearms. R Radar Mike Reid, US PGA pro, for his straight driving (and possibly a passing resemblance to the character from the M*A*S*H TV series). Radar Wayne Riley, Australian pro turned Sky TV on-course commentator. Named after 'Radar' O'Riley from M*A*S*H. Robopro Bob Estes : term coined by US commentator and pro Gary McCord, in reference to his mechanical, wooden swing and dour demeanour. S Scientist, The Robert Karlsson: the Swede acquired this sobriquet for his extremely analytical and technical spproach to the game. Shrek Louis Oosthuizen: the gap-toothed South African 2010 Open Champion at St Andrews is thought by friends to resemble the animated cinema ogre.

By the way, 'Louis' is not his birth name - his passport states 'Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen, after his grandfather. Slammin' Sam Samuel Jackson Snead: seven time major winner anmd to this day holder of the most PGA Tour titles record with 82, and almost as many elsewhere in the world. Possessed a wonderfully elegant, smooth, effortless swing, which genereated enormous power and distance, hence the nickname. Slow Motion Don January: PGA Tour player from the 50s into the 70s who won 10 titles, including the 1967 US PGA Championship, with a swing, gait and manner that was always slow and smooth. Smallrus, The Kevin Stadler: Son of 1982 Masters Champion Craig, Kevin is - minus the facial hair - a dead ringer for his Dad, The Walrus . Smiling Assassin Shigeki Maruyama : fine Japanese pro with a permanent smile, whatever he's doing or how he's playing.

Spaceman Jesper Parnevik: the name his fellow PGA pros give him - presumably because he's a little 'extra-terrestrial' (he used to eat volcanic dust as a dietary supplement). Squire, The Gene Sarazen: of Italian extraction, Eugenio Saraceni had a very gentlemanly manner, was very elegant in plus fours and a owned large country estate in the US. He won seven majors and is won of only five men to have won all four modern major titles. T (KJ) Choi Kyung -ju: a power lifter in his youth, short and very powerfully built. Tiger Eldrick Tont Woods: given the name by his father Earl in memory of a Vietnamese soldier friend, Vuong Dang Phong, whom Earl had also nicknamed 'Tiger'. 'Tont' is a traditional Thai name, given by Tiger's Thai mother, Kultida. Tower, The Isao Aoki, hugely succesful player in the 1970s and 80s, now in the World Golf Hall of Fame, a winner on the Champions Tour and a TV analyst, who at 6ft is a tall man in Japan. Reached no.

3 in the World Rankings in 1980. U Golfer Greg Norman: Biography, Facts and Figures • PGA Tour Vardon Trophy winner, 1989, 1990, 1994 • PGA Tour player of the year, 1995 • Member, Presidents Cup International team, 1996, 1998, 2000 • Captain, Presidents Cup International, 2009, 2011 Quote, Unquote: • Greg Norman: "I owe a lot to my parents, especially my mother and my father." continue reading below our video Greatest Quarterbacks of All Time? • Greg Norman: "I'm a very intense person. When I go after something, I want to go after it with everything I have. I want to push myself to the edge." Trivia: Greg Norman lost in extra holes at all four majors - The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship - one of only two golfers to do so. Craig Wood is the other. At one point in the 1990s, Norman was a co-owner of Cobra Golf .

Greg Norman Biography: Greg Norman was one of the most accomplished golfers of the 1980s and 1990s, a golfer with great achievements but who also gained a reputation for falling short of expectations. That's only because expectations for Norman soared so high early in his career. Growing up in Australia, Norman's games were rugby and Australian Rules football. He didn't spend much time at golf until age 15 in 1970. He caddied for his mother during her weekly round, and borrowed her clubs following the round. Two years later Norman was playing at scratch . He trained as an Australian PGA professional, and played amateur events around his home country. In 1976, Norman turned pro. He joined the European Tour in 1977 and that year earned his first victory. In 1982 he was that tour's leading money winner. The following year, he joined the U.S. PGA Tour . Norman's first win in America was at the 1984 Kemper Open, and he also won the Canadian Open that year.

But Norman's first playoff loss in a major also happened in 1984, when Fuzzy Zoeller beat him in an 18-hole playoff at the 1984 U.S. Open . Norman narrowly missed catching Jack Nicklaus at the 1986 Masters , but he pushed his approach shot to the 72nd green into the stands. Bob Tway holed a bunker shot at the 1986 PGA Championship to snatch that win away from Norman; Larry Mize holed a long chip shot in a playoff at the 1987 Masters to deny Norman again. Perhaps most famously, Norman blew a 6-shot lead entering the final round to lose the 1996 Masters to Nick Faldo by five strokes. But amid the bad breaks were plenty of wins - 20 of them on the U.S. Tour. Norman won three PGA Tour money titles and three PGA Tour scoring titles. He was Player of the Year in 1995 and for one stretch in the early 1990s held the No. 1 world ranking for 331 weeks. And he won British Open titles in 1986 and 1993.

In 2008, at the age of 53, Norman made an unlikely run at a third British Open title, holding the third-round lead before finishing tied for third. Also in 2008 - just a couple weeks before his British Open run - Norman married tennis legend Chris Evert. They divorced less than two years laters. Off the course, Norman was a highly successful businessman, building Great White Shark Enterprises into an empire that included golf course design , apparel, development and production companies, merchandising and licensing, wineries, and even his own brand of beef. He also was an important figure in the development of Cobra Golf into a major brand. Greg Norman posts a selfie with a statue of a shirtless, muscle-bound HIM | Daily Mail Online comments Greg Norman may have thought he'd hit a hole-in-one when he put a flattering statue of himself in his back garden, but some of his fans would prefer to see it plugged in a bunker. The former world number one was pictured on his Instagram with his arms loving draped around the statue that had been given to him as a 60th birthday gift by his third wife Kirsten Kutner.

However, the large bronze statue at his home in Colorado showed the Australian, also known as The Great White Shark, bare-chested and rippling with muscles. Australia's Greg Norman is pictured with the bronze statue that was made of him Norman has American artist David Phelps (right) to thank for making the impressive statue American artist David Phelps started work on the sculpture in March after it was commissioned by Norman's wife for his 60th birthday. However a column in The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the move may not be sending out all the right signal to his fans. 'Now, it is Greg's perfect right to put whatever damn statue he wants in his garden,' writes columnist Peter FitzSimons. The statue was commissioned by Norman's third wife Kirsten Kutner (right) to celebrate his 60th birthday Norman's nickname during his playing days was 'The Great White Shark' 'But, be honest with me. Is that like the most absurdly narcissistic thing, the most weirdly unheard of thing you've ever HEARD of??? 'Not for nothing is Greg proud to call himself a "living brand", and so good luck to him.

The bloke is borderline something – I just don't quite know what the condition is called.' However, the press the statue generated wasn't all negative. Golf.com reports that it looked: 'Caesaresque'. The Australian spent 331 weeks as the world's top golfer in the 1980s and 1990s Norman won two major titles: the British Open in 1986 and 1993 The website defended Norman saying that he didn't have the bust made of himself - his wife did. While both she and the sculptor Phelps said he was definitely not narcissistic. Norman spent 331 weeks as the world's top golfer in the 1980s and 1990s. He has won over 85 international tournaments in his career, including two majors: the British Open in 1986 and 1993. Most Famous Golfers – List of Famous Golfers in History Nationality: British Known For: Won the British Open 6 times Harry Vardon won seven major championships during his golf career and at least 17 professional tournaments in total.

Interestingly, he introduced the idea of playing in knickerbockers, making him the first professional golfer to do so. Walter Hagen (1892-1969) Nationality: American> Known For: Won 11 professional majors Walter Hagen’s eleven professional major wins puts him in third behind Tiger Woods (14) and Jack Nicklaus (18). He was the first American to win at the British Open and he has twice won at the U.S. Open. He is tied for first for winning the PGA Championship five times. NameBobby Jones (1902-1971) Nationality: American Known For: Being the most successful amateur golfer of all time Although never a professional golfer, Bobby Jones competed against and beat some of the top pro golfers of his time. Jones completed the “Grand Slam” of golf all in one year. He won 13 majors in his lifetime. He was also the co-founder of the Masters Tournament. Nationality: American Known For: Won all of the major championships during his career Sarazen was a top player in the world throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s.

He is one of the group of 5 golfers who have won all of the major championships during their career. Babe Zaharias (1911-1956) Nationality: American Known For: First American female golf celebrity Babe started her golfing career when she was 24 years old. She was the first woman to compete in a men’s PGA tournament. She is considered the first female golf celebrity in America. She was a founding member of the LPGA. Ben Hogan (1912-1997) Nationality: American Known For: Won all 4 major championships Ben Hogan is widely considered one of the best golfers in history. He also made a huge impact on golf swing mechanics during his time. He had 9 professional major champtionships which puts him in fourth place for all time major champtionships won. Nationality: American Known For: A top ranked player in the world for nearly 40 years During his career, Sam Snead won a record breaking 82 PGA Tour tournaments. Seven of these victories were majors. The only major tournament that he did not win was the U.S. Open.

He was often admired for having what many believed to be the “perfect swing.” Byron Nelson (1912-2006) Nationality: American Known For: Won eleven tournaments in a row Byron Nelson had a relatively short career, but in that time span he managed to win many tournaments. In 1945 alone he won 18. He was the first golfer to have a PGA Tour even named after him. He was also the recipient of the Bob Jones Award Patty Berg (1918-2006) Nationality: American Known For: Record for most major titles won Batty Berg was a founding member of the Ladies Professional Golf Association. She is an inductee of the World Golf Hall of Fame. She has won 15 major titles and won 29 amateur titles before going pro. Charlie Sifford (1922-present) Nationality: American Known For: African-American golfer who was a big part of desegregating the PGA Charlie Sifford overcame racist attitudes in amateur and professional golf to become a successful pro golfer. He had two PGA tour wins and several other important victories throughout his career.

Athea Gibson (1927-2003) Nationality: American Known For: First African-American woman to play in the LPGA Athea Gibson broke through race barriers in both golf and tennis. She was the first African American to play on the pro tour. She was even more talented in tennis, having been the first African American to play at Wimbledon. Arnold Palmer (1929-present) Nationality: American Known For: First golfer to win the Masters Tournament 4 times Nicknamed “The King,” Arnold Palmer is widely considered one of the best golfers in the history of the PGA. He was the original superstar in the beginning of the sport’s television age. He has been awarded the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Gary Player (1935-present) Nationality: South African Known For: Third ever player to win the “grand slam of golf” Gary Player won 9 major championships on the PGA Tour and 6 Champions Tour major championships. He is also a world famous golf course designer and the author of 36 books about the sport of golf.

Chi Chi Rodriguez (1935-present) Nationality: Puerto Rican Known For: First Puerto Rican in the World Golf Hall of Fame Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodriguez has won many awards througout his golfing career. These include the Hispanic Recognition Award, the Bob Jones Award and the Old Tom Morris Award. Mickey Wright (1935-present) Nationality: American Known For: Won 82 LPGA tournaments in her career Wright joined the LPGA Tour in 1954. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame just 10 years later in 1964. She has won thirteen major championships in her lifetime. Nationality: Mexican American Known For: Winner of 6 major championships Lee Trevino is considered an icon by many Mexican Americans. He has won the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship and The Open Championship each two times. He is only the fourth person to have done this. Jack Nicklaus (1940-present) Nationality: American Known For: Won the PGA Championship 5 times and the U.S. Open 4 times Jack Nicklaus is nicknamed “The Golden Bear” because of his golden blonde hair and heavier-set body type.

He is considered by most to be the most successful golfer in history. He has 18 major champtionship wins, 19 second place finishes and has placed 3rd nine times. Tom Watson (1949-present) Nationality: American Known For: Ranked #1 in the world for 5 years Watson was consistantly one of the top players in the world during the 1970’s and 1980’s. He won 8 major championships and was on top of the PGA Tour earnings list 5 times. The sole major championship that he has yet to win is the PGA Champtionship. Greg Norman (1955-present) Nationality: Austrailian Known For: Had over 90 professional victories Greg Norman was ranked the world’s number one golfer for 331 weeks during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He is nicknamed “The Great White Shark” due to his large stature, blonde hair and aggressive style of play. Betsy King (1955-present) Nationality: American Known For: 6 major championship wins Betsy King has won 34 LPGA tournaments; all since 1984.

In 1984 she was LPGA Tour Player of the Year for having 21 top 10 finishes. During the time span from 1984 to 1989 King won 20 LPGA events, which was more than any other player on the planet. Payne Stewart (1957-1999) Nationality: American Known For: Won 11 PGA Tour tournaments Stewart won three major championships, the last one that he was victorioius in was just months before the fatal plane crash that ended his life. Payne Stewart was known as one of the most consistant golfers of his time. Nationality: English Known For: Winner of 6 major championships Faldo has held the number one world ranking for 98 weeks during his career. He has won 3 Open Championships and 3 Masters. He is now a television announcer for many golf championships. Juli Inkster (1960-present) Nationality: American Known For: Currently the 2nd most winning active player on the LPGA Juli Inkster has been a professional golfer for over 29 years.

She has 31 professional tournament wins under her belt as well as over $13 million in career winnings and endorsements. Darren Clarke (1968-present) Nationality: Irish Known For: Has been victorious in 22 tournaments Clarke has played on the PGA, Sunshine, Japan and European Tours. In 2011 he won the Open Champtionship that was held at Royal St. George. Clarke has been victorious in two World Golf Championships and ranked amongst the top ten golfers in the world for 43 weeks. Nationality: American Known For: Has more than 40 tournament wins in his career Phil Mickelson has won one PGA Championship and three Masters titles. He has finished in 2nd place in the U.S. Open for a record of 6 times. Several times he has reached the #2 world ranking spot. Interestingly, he is only left-handed while playing golf. Annika Sorenstam (1971-present) Nationality: Swedish Known For: Won ninety international tournaments Annika Sorenstam is considered one of the best female golfers ever to play the sport. She has the most wins of any professional female golfer of all time.

She has won 10 majors as well as 18 international tournaments. Padraig Harrington (1971-present) Nationality: Irish Known For: He has been victorious in 3 major championships Harrington plays in both the PGA Tour and European Tour. He won the Open Championship in back to back years (2007 and 2008) as well as the PGA Championship in 2008. Nationality: English Known For: Won in several tournaments across the globe Lee Westwood was player of the year in the PGA in 1998, 2000 and 2009. Westwood represented Europe in the Ryder Cup for the past eight years. In 2010 he ousted Tiger Woods from his world’s number one golfer position for 22 weeks. Karrie Webb (1974-present) Nationality: Austrailian Known For: Has more wins (39) than any other active LPGA player Karrie Webb is considered one of the best female golfers of all time and the greatest to come from Australia. She has won 39 times on the LPGA Tour and is in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Tiger Woods (1975-present) Nationality: American Known For: First African-American and youngest person to win the U.S. Masters Tiger Woods is known as one of the best golfers of all time. He was the very first person to hold all of the 4 professional championships at once. He was the youngest person, in 2000, to finish a career “Grand Slam.” Tiger was also the youngest person to ever win the Masters championship. Nationality: American Known For: Won the 2012 Masters Tournament Bubba Watson is a major champtionship winner who is known for having one of the longest average drives in all of golf at 315.2 yards. He is capable of driving a ball over 350 yards with the ball reaching nearly 200 mph. After winning the 2012 Masters Tournament he was ranked 4th in the world. Rory Mcilroy (1989-present) Nationality: Irish Known For: Won the 2011 U.S. Open and 2012 PGA Championship Mcilroy is a member the PGA and European Tours. At one point he was a World Number One.

Rory has won two major championships. In 2011 he won the U.S. Open while scoring a record 16 under par. In 2012 he won the PGA Championship by a record 8 strokes under par. Michelle Wie (1989-present) GOLFER ‘SHARK’ AND WIFE TEE OFF | New York Post GOLFER ‘SHARK’ AND WIFE TEE OFF Comment(required) August 19, 2007 | 9:00am When he broke the news last year that he was ending his marriage of 25 years, Aussie golf legend Greg Norman vowed that he and his wife, Laura, would remain friends. That was then. Now the couple is locked in a vicious battle, with the legendary “Shark” complaining that she’s been trying to take a bite out of his bank account with wild spending since the divorce proceedings started – and her claiming that he is trying to “starve her out” of her house. It’s gotten so nasty that he’s even threatened to sue her for defamation. Meanwhile, the championship golfer is dating tennis legend Chris Evert, who ended her own 18-year marriage just last year.

Former flight attendant Laura Norman, 57, claims that her ex is trying to squeeze her dry – cutting off her credit cards, changing the locks on their $21 million Jupiter, Fla., home and firing her housekeeper. The 52-year-old Shark counters that he has forked over $725,000 in legal fees, $4 million for a Palm Beach home and $400,000 for a down payment on a Hamptons retreat for Laura. Norman also claims that his wife’s monthly spending shot up more than 50 percent after he filed for divorce. Not that the bruising battle has blunted his game off the links. Shortly after he announced in May 2006 that he and Laura were calling it quits in May 2006, he was spotted with Evert, 53, a Boca Raton neighbor, aboard his yacht, Aussie Rules. Norman and Evert met more than 25 years ago – and often frequented each other’s charity events. The couple has something to commiserate about. Evert had to pay out more than $7 million in a divorce settlement with Andy Mill in December 2006.

Evert retained custody of their three teenage sons. Her first marriage to British tennis star John Lloyd ended in 1987. “We like to be with each other,” Norman told Golf magazine. “We enjoy each other’s company immensely. We share a very common bond with a lot of things in life.” Norman now lives in a $7 million estate in the ritzy Le Lac neighborhood, only a short walk from Evert’s Boca Raton home. But the Shark’s bliss is increasingly being disrupted by the 14-month divorce battle. Norman filed for divorce in June 2006, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The proceedings took their first sour turn when Laura’s lawyers threatened to grill Evert on the stand. Things went further south when the Shark’s lawyer, Martin Haines, filed a petition requesting that Norman obtain the majority of the couple’s assets. Haines argued that “the wife did not teach the husband to swing a golf club. The wife did not teach the husband to win.” Then came accusations that Laura had thrown out Norman’s souvenirs, which ignited a brutal war of words when the exes bumped into each other inside their Jupiter home.

“She wanted to be confrontational,” Haines told The Post’s Page Six. “She just had an attitude.” Laura’s lawyers describe it differently, saying that Greg’s visit was tantamount to “harassment” and that he cursed at her. The hostilities seemed to subside when the couple reportedly reached an agreement on how to split the $300 million in assets. Laura’s share was variously reported to have been between $100 million and $150 million. There was only one snag: whether or not Laura would pay the tax liability on the couple’s private jets. True to form – Norman was famously named one of sports’ “worst choke artists of all time” – the settlement fell through at the last minute. Laura’s lawyers filed an emergency motion last week claiming that Greg was “attempting to starve out” Laura with his actions on her house, credit cards and housekeeper. The mudslinging got even dirtier when the Shark promptly threatened to sue Laura and her lawyers for libel. “It’s the most irresponsible filing. Greg did not cut off her credit cards. He would not cut off her credit cards,” Haines told The Post.

Laura’s lawyer, Russell Ferraro Jr., claimed he was not worried about Greg threat to sue for defamation. “I don’t think we need to respond to it,” he said. Still, Ferraro plans on filing a formal response tomorrow in Martin County, Fla., to address the statements – furthering escalating the fight. Share this:

Question: What professional golfer was known as "The Great White Shark"?
Answer: Greg Norman