Norman Mulling PGA Invite
TROON, Scotland –- To play or not to play, that is the question. The PGA of America, impressed by Greg Norman’s third-place tie in last week’s British Open, has invited the Shark to the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills outside of Detroit in two weeks.
“I have to make a decision,” Norman said this morning at Royal Troon, site of the British Senior Open, which starts tomorrow. He has until Thursday to make the call, according to the Associated Press.
A no brainer? Not exactly. Norman has already committed to next week’s U.S. Senior Open at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs. If he adds the PGA to his dance card, that will be four straight weeks of competition for a 53-year-old bloke with a dodgy back and a global business empire to run.
“I have to be careful,” he said. “I can’t go out there and just pound golf balls and pound golf balls.”
Norman also has to consider the fact that his PGA appearance might be anti-climactic because American tournament courses have little in common with the relatively short and windy Royal Birkdale links.
“To go to a behemoth like Bethpage Black [site of the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens] would be more of a mountain to climb,” Norman said. “7,700 yards, heavy rough. I’m strong, but my fingers are not as strong as they used to be. And as soon as you start pushing the golf course to 7,600 yards, it starts to compound the problem a little bit.”
In other words, he might like to sit on his current peak for a while, just to enjoy the view. Norman has gotten more than 500 e-mails and texts since the weekend, many of them from tournament players of a certain age.
“Well, it’s inspirational,” said Sam Torrance, the former European Ryder Cup captain. “I mean, it was the performance of a lifetime, a 53-year-old man leading the Open with nine holes to play. Looked like he turned the clock back 25 years, to be honest.”
The irony, of course, is that Norman went to Royal Birkdale simply as a tune-up for the two senior majors. “I’m warmed up, basically,” he joked before Wednesday's practice round at Troon. “Now I’ve got to step up.”
He’ll get his chance tomorrow at 9:20 a.m. local time (4:20 a.m. ET), when he tees off with defending champ Tom Watson and former Masters and British Open champ Sandy Lyle.
(Photo: John Biever/SI)
Posted by: Shudogg | Jul 23, 2008 10:21:57 PM
What is he waiting on? Most golfers would jump on this offer, and he acts like its nothing...
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Posted by: Norman Muttitt | Jul 23, 2008 6:47:27 PM
Thought this was all done by default long before The Open started anyways? Finish in the top 'X' and you get invited to the next Masters, PGA etc. etc. if not otherwise qualified.
Posted by: CY | Jul 23, 2008 5:49:48 PM
Why does everyone keep talking about Bethpage Black? The PGA Championship is at Oakland Hills CC in Michigan, and it plays 7,395 yards. Next year's US Open is Bethpage, and that'll be more like 7,700. Norman's quote in this story is somewhat misleading. Anyway, Norman should definitely play the PGA.
Posted by: Kelly T. | Jul 23, 2008 4:17:39 PM
Thanks Greg for a great showing in the Open. Many like me felt for you after '96 and so wanted to see you win. Your play brought back memories of following you at the Byron Nelson as a teen. I had a great father/son moment with my oldest son on Sunday when we were watching together. I explained how successful you were, the challenges you faced and how you were trying to achieve another significant accomplishment. Thank you for your small role in that moment with my boy. My vote...pass on the PGA...stick to your plans.
Posted by: Dick in Sioux Falls | Jul 23, 2008 3:58:30 PM
I agree seeing the Shark in contention again was a great thrill, but Bethpage Black is too long, and would be too hot. He ran out of gas on the last few holes at the cool and windy British Open, and would do so much more quickly in the heat and length of the Long Island course.
Since The Open was to him primarily a tuneup for the Senior British Open, certainly that has served his purpose. Forget the PGA.
Posted by: Crunchtime | Jul 23, 2008 3:55:42 PM
I don't know about you all, but I play a heck of a lot better when there is no pressure on me. I think Greg had a wonderful tournament because there was no pressure to perform, it was a tune up game for him. He was relaxed and hitting fantastic shots. A PGA invite puts the pressure on him to repeat and I just think it will fall apart on him. Maybe even stress him to the point of injuring that back of his. Great story, but he's no dummy. It's a no-brainer: he'll take a pass.
Posted by: Marine | Jul 23, 2008 3:49:21 PM
It was great seeing the shark in action again. I was really pulling for him to win it all. Kind of reminded of when Jimmy Conners almost made it all the way in US Tennis open a few years back. Inspiring to see these guys gut it out. Make us old folks feel a little younger. As far as the PGA goes he has nothing to prove. If he goes, great if he doesn't, great. That is a decision he should make.
Posted by: Gary B | Jul 23, 2008 3:38:05 PM
I for one didn’t miss having to hear Tiger cuss and swear and throw golf clubs all weekend when he hit a bad shot. On the 18th hole of the U.S. Open on Sunday he didn’t just throw his club once, he picked it up and threw it again. I was taught not to do these things on the golf course. Tiger does them all the time.
Yes Tiger is a great golfer, but he needs to be told how immature he looks when he does these things. I am tired of people making excuses by saying he is just real competitive and wants to win. All the golfers out there want to win.
I don’t recall ever seeing Norman, Palmer, Nicklaus, Mickelson, or most of the other golf greats throw clubs and swear like Tiger. Yes they might all let one slip once in awhile, but Tiger does it all the time.
Posted by: Big Dawg | Jul 23, 2008 3:36:39 PM
However, I would rather Greg take the invite than see some publicity stunt (like God forbid Michelle Wie) be added to boost attendance and TV audience.
Posted by: Big Dawg | Jul 23, 2008 3:35:43 PM
However, I would rather Greg take the invite than see some publicity stunt (like God forbid Michelle Wie) be added to boost attendance and TV audience.
Posted by: Big Dawg | Jul 23, 2008 3:32:11 PM
John J--Norm got lucky? What stupidity inducing rock do you live under? Tiger's chip in at the Open on the 17th Saturday was lucky (he even admitted it), but leading a major after 63 holes is about 40+ years of hard work and practice paying off.
However, I think he should sit out Bethpage--too long and too hot.
Posted by: MKO | Jul 23, 2008 3:14:12 PM
Dude... Are you serious? PGA invites don't really come around like every other day at 53. Do it for all of us over-the-hill, always a putt away from winning, sorry they didn't marry the right girl, married the wrong girl, should have never gotten married, great golf loving geezers with pot bellies, grey hair and a web link for home-delivered viagra.
Posted by: Alex | Jul 23, 2008 3:06:08 PM
Greg Norman made the game fun to watch again, even without Tiger playing. I say bring him back. We need more colorful characters playing, and he's shown he is still a master of the game.
Posted by: Ken | Jul 23, 2008 3:00:29 PM
Very funny Jay. B. It was great to see Norman back but boy it reminded me of all the hurt I felt every time he lost in the final round. I am still recovering from Sunday...sigh
Posted by: Arlingtonian | Jul 23, 2008 2:55:38 PM
I have always liked Greg Norman because of his skills and his passion for the game. No one has been more dedicated to the game than he. Some have been as dedicated, but never more passionate. Good going!
Posted by: Jay B | Jul 23, 2008 2:35:41 PM
I think Greg should play only in tournaments that end on a Saturday...
Posted by: William Muehlbacher | Jul 23, 2008 2:32:32 PM
Come on all you nay-sayers. If Van Halen could do a straight 75 concert tour and all but one are in their early 50s then The "Great White Shark" can do it!
Posted by: Bill Wendt | Jul 23, 2008 2:19:44 PM
I was thrilled at Greg Norman's performance at Royal Birkdale. I've always been a fan and would love to see him back out playing. He's a great champion. He can do what he wants but someone of his talent and competitiveness is always welcome.
Posted by: JD Edgar | Jul 23, 2008 2:14:15 PM
The Tigerless PGA is looking to boost its ratings. Thats the only reason for the invite. Norman is a wonderful player, it was a great open for him but he's smart and he won't be tempted to tame Bethpage. He'll continue to pick opportunities that fit his skill and ability at 53
Posted by: Lopez A | Jul 23, 2008 2:13:43 PM
He wouldn't have a chance at Augusta. That course would eat him alive, unless they throttle back the changes they have made in recent years.
Posted by: Will Kitchen | Jul 23, 2008 2:09:33 PM
I would encourage Greg to accept the PGA invite if for no other reason than he needs the money. Every little bit helps especially with the price of jet fuel.
Posted by: john j | Jul 23, 2008 2:07:21 PM
norm got lucky. lets face it, hes not as young as he used to be and watching the final round norm is still morm. dont get me wrong, ive always liked him columbia is right , it would beat him to death. relax and enjoy his new wife
Posted by: Eric Drumm | Jul 23, 2008 2:00:25 PM
Come on over to Oakland Hills and show them what you are made of. You can do it. I grew up there and you have a chance. Rest is for the sick and dying. You are great champion and we would all love to see you there.
Posted by: Sean | Jul 23, 2008 1:58:05 PM
I think he should sit it out. Not only is the course longer, it will be hotter than the cool temps at the British Open. I'm glad he played so well though.
Posted by: Skid Faber | Jul 23, 2008 1:53:54 PM
He should accept. He has just stunned the world's golfing community with his excellent shot making skills. He is an excellent strategist and plays to win. He draws fans of all ages and still provides a spark when he steps to the tee to crush one deep down range. Let the shark out of his cage now and don't tease him with a chum-line.
Posted by: columbia | Jul 23, 2008 1:50:11 PM
I think that Norman would be better served to wait until the Masters next year and play there. If he tries to compete at Bethpage it could be a blood bath. The course is insane and could certainly chew Norman up. That is the last thing he needs after such a wonderful performance at the British. I think that Augusta sets up fairly well for him even though it has been lengthened. Norman still has power, but I think the long ruffs of the PGA or US Open would be to much for him, and would only make him feel his age.
Posted by: Tony P | Jul 23, 2008 12:32:01 PM
I've always been a great fan of Norman despite his miracle shot bad luck losses and the times when he blew a lead all on his own....he is colorful, aggressive on the course and good for the game -- I hope he accepts. With that said, his decision is not only whether to play but whether to commit to the practice and planning required to compete effectively. If he is not willing to do that and give it his best shot then I would prefer he take a pass.