Gregory John Norman, also known as Greg Norman, is a former Australian professional golfer known for spending almost 331 weeks as the world number one in the 1980s and 1990s. In his career, Norman has won 20 PGA Titles and two major titles- the 1986 and the 1993 British Open. Norman is also known as “The Great White Shark” or “The Shark”, earning the title following his play at the 1981 Augusta Masters.

He currently serves as the chairman and CEO of the Greg Norman Company and also as the CEO of LIV Golf Investments. LIV Golf is heavily funded by the Saudi Arabian government’s sovereign wealth fund, which has attracted criticism from several sections of the sport for alleged attempts at sports washing.

Greg Norman’s achievements

Norman’s first major championship victory came at the 1986 Open Championship at Turnberry, where he outplayed a star-studded field that included Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, and Tom Watson. He went on to win his second Open Championship in 1993 at Royal St. George’s, where he shot a final-round 64 to secure a two-shot victory.

In addition to his major championships, Norman won 20 PGA Tour titles and 30 European Tour titles. He was known for his exceptional ball-striking ability and aggressive style of play, which earned him a legion of fans worldwide.

Off the course, Norman has been a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He founded a successful golf course design firm, Greg Norman Golf Course Design, and established several other business ventures in industries such as wine and apparel.

Why is Greg Norman a controversial figure in golf?

Greg Norman is accused of ‘destroying’ golf by fans and golfers alike ever since news spread of his involvement with LIV Golf. LIV, ever since its formation in 2021, has threatened to be a rival to the PGA Tour and has drawn severe criticism for being funded by Saudi Arabia. Greg Norman has come under the heat for constantly denying claims of sports washing by the government of Saudi Arabia, and has often come to cross with other PGA golfers for his controversial and heated comments.