Greg Norman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 13, 2025

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Greg Norman. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1971: Jack Nicklaus's Australian Open Record

In 1971, Jack Nicklaus set the Australian Open record winning margin of eight strokes, which Greg Norman broke in 1987.

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.

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.

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.

1986: Victory at the Open Championship

In 1986, Greg Norman won the Open Championship, shooting a second round of 63 and surviving brutal conditions to win by five shots.

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.