Nicklaus says Norman can contend at 2009 Masters
When Greg Norman emerged from his time machine to lead this year’s British Open on Sunday, ultimately finishing third, he did more than electrify fans and impress his new wife, Chris Evert. He also earned himself an invitation to the 2009 Masters Tournament.
But can a 53-year-old part-time player really win at Augusta National? Jack Nicklaus, who won the Masters at age 46 in 1986, says Norman’s physical fitness will allow him to contend.
“[Norman’s] talent is still there,” Nicklaus said at the Merrill Lynch Shootout in Naples, Fla., Thursday. “He's always kept himself in great shape. I think he'll have a great time going back and have a lot of fun. He's always played well at Augusta, and there's no reason why at age 53 -- I mean, I almost won it on one leg at '58.
“So certainly a man who's in a lot better shape than I was and five years younger can certainly do pretty well,” Nicklaus said.
When he watched Norman at Royal Birkdale this summer, Nicklaus was reminded of his Masters victory in 1986. Like Norman at Birkdale, he hadn’t played much competitive golf prior to the Masters but during the tournament everything came together.
“You know, Greg's a champion,” Nicklaus said. “When you get yourself playing, and all of a sudden you play a good first round and you say, ‘Gee, that was nice. That was fun. Maybe I can do that again tomorrow.’ Then you play a good second round, and all of a sudden you're, ‘Gee, I'm really doing pretty well.’
“You remember how to play. You remember -- it sort of lights a fire under you and you get excited. You have fun with it and say, ‘Man, this is what I used to do,’” Nicklaus said.
Posted by: Samantha | Apr 2, 2009 11:43:09 AM
i predict norman misses the cut.
Posted by: Mark | Jan 25, 2009 9:06:36 AM
I am 55 and grew up with that generation of great players. While I do believe Greg might fire a good round or two, or even three, the young guns would prevail in the final round. Greg was and is great, but he was not Jack's equal in closing out the final round. I would love to see it though!
Posted by: Vance M. | Dec 15, 2008 6:54:54 PM
Greg Norman can still play with all of them,whether they're 21 or 51.It would be the best thing Golf could experience for Greg Norman to play in the '09 Masters and slap around some of those BIG HEADED,SNOT NOSED PUNKS.
Posted by: Tim Brown | Dec 15, 2008 1:52:51 PM
Funny it's Jack saying that about Norman when it was Norman he beat back in 86' - but yeah, if he can keep the big dog in the fairway he's got one of the best short games ever to contend...Go Shark!
Posted by: Todd | Dec 15, 2008 12:39:59 PM
I would love to see Norman win the 09 Masters. Loved the guy every since I spoke to him when I was a kid when he won the Canadian Open in 82'...still have the golf ball he gave me!
Posted by: leroy pfeifer | Dec 14, 2008 10:53:28 PM
if there was a sport and a place that owed a player a win, the masters and norman are the ones involved. what justice it would be to see greg win. i have rutted for him for over 23 years and i will continue to rute for him this year!!