Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Greg Norman

How Greg Norman built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gregory John Norman, nicknamed "The Great White Shark," is a retired Australian professional golfer. He held the world number one ranking for 331 weeks during the 1980s and 1990s. His career highlights include 88 professional wins, notably 20 PGA Tour titles and two Open Championship victories in 1986 and 1993. Despite his success, Norman is also known for his numerous runner-up finishes in major championships.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

June 1974: Media Attention at the Queensland Open

In June 1974, at age 19, Greg Norman received media attention at the Queensland Open. He was one shot off the lead after the first round.

March 1975: Turned Professional

In March 1975, Greg Norman turned professional. He then served as assistant professional under Billy McWilliam OAM at Beverley Park Golf Club in Sydney, New South Wales.

1976: First Professional Tournament and Victory

In 1976, Greg Norman participated in his first four-round professional tournament, the South Coast Open at Bateman's Bay, and later won the West Lakes Classic held at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, South Australia, marking his first professional victory.

1980: Victories in Multiple Tournaments

In 1980, Greg Norman had a significant victory in the French Open, winning the tournament by ten shots. He also won the Scandinavian Enterprise Open in Sweden with a course record of 64 in the final round and the Suntory World Match Play Championship. Norman also won his first Australian Open.

1981: Debut at the Masters and British Masters Victory

In 1981, Greg Norman debuted at the Masters in Augusta, finishing in 4th place. He also won the 1981 British Masters and his third Martini International tournament.

1981: Earning the Nickname "The Great White Shark"

In 1981, Greg Norman earned the nickname "the Great White Shark" (often shortened to just "the Shark") after his play at the Masters tournament. The nickname referenced his blond hair, size, aggressive golf style, and his birthplace's native coastal animal.

1982: Leading Money Winner on European Tour

In 1982, Greg Norman was the leading money winner on the European Tour. He won three European events that year, including successfully defending his British Masters title.

June 1984: Maiden PGA Tour Victory and U.S. Open Playoff

In June 1984, Greg Norman secured his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Kemper Open, winning by five strokes. He also gained worldwide prominence at the 1984 U.S. Open, where he forced a playoff with Fuzzy Zoeller but ultimately lost.

1985: Victories in Australia and Runner-Up Finishes in the U.S.

In 1985, Greg Norman won the Toshiba Australian PGA Championship and the National Panasonic Australian Open. He also had two runner-up finishes in the U.S. PGA Tour.

September 1986: Victory at Panasonic European Open

In September 1986, Greg Norman won the Panasonic European Open at Sunningdale Golf Club.

1986: 11 Worldwide Victories and Open Championship Win

In 1986, Greg Norman achieved 11 worldwide victories, including four wins in Australia and two regular PGA Tour events. He also won the 1986 Open Championship at Turnberry.

1986: The Open Championship Win

In 1986, Greg Norman won The Open Championship, one of his two major championship victories.

February 1987: Victory at the Australian Masters

In February 1987, Greg Norman won the Australian Masters.

1987: Greg Norman Golf Foundation Formed

In 1987, Greg Norman and his father, Merv Norman, established the Greg Norman Golf Foundation. The foundation's aim is to offer professional guidance and instruction to school students, those in educational establishments, children with physical disabilities, and junior golf club members throughout Queensland.

April 1988: MCI Heritage Golf Classic Victory

In April 1988, Greg Norman won the MCI Heritage Golf Classic at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, inspired by a leukemia-stricken teenager. Norman also awarded the teenager with the trophy after the tournament.

1990: Victories and Strong Performances

In 1990, Greg Norman won the Doral-Ryder Open and Memorial Tournament. Although he missed the cut for the first time at Augusta National in the 1990 Masters, he finished at the top of the PGA Tour money list for the second time in his career and won the Vardon Trophy and Byron Nelson Award.

1993: Second Major at The Open Championship

In 1993, Greg Norman earned his second major at Royal St George's in The Open Championship after rebuilding his game with coach Butch Harmon. Norman's final round 64 was the lowest score by a winner in Open history until Henrik Stenson's 63 at the 2016 Open Championship.

1993: The Open Championship Win

In 1993, Greg Norman won The Open Championship, one of his two major championship victories.

2004: Norman becomes Trustee of Environmental Institute for Golf

In 2004, Greg Norman became a Trustee of the Environmental Institute for Golf and a member of its advisory council. This institute is the philanthropic arm of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

2004: Trustee of the Environmental Institute for Golf

In 2004, Greg Norman became a Trustee of the Environmental Institute for Golf, marking his involvement in environmental causes within the sport.

2006: Autobiography "The Way of the Shark" Released

In 2006, Greg Norman's autobiography, titled "The Way of the Shark", was released.

The Way of the Shark: Lessons on Golf, Business, and Life

Check it on Amazon

2008: Bartlett Award

In 2008, Greg Norman received the Golf Writers Association of America's Bartlett Award for his charitable work.

April 2014: Norman joins Fox Sports as Lead Commentator

In April 2014, Fox Sports announced that Greg Norman would team up with Joe Buck to lead their commentary for the USGA's championships starting in 2015.

2015: Commentary at the U.S. Open

In 2015, Greg Norman was lead commentator at the U.S. Open for Fox Sports.

January 2016: Paul Azinger replaces Norman at Fox Sports

In January 2016, it was announced that Paul Azinger would take over from Greg Norman as the lead golf analyst for Fox Sports, following criticism of Norman's performance at the 2015 U.S. Open.