Greg Norman returning to Turnberry.
Greg Norman (Getty Images)
Greg Norman is set to experience a sentimental return to the scene of his career defining first Major Championship victory, he has confirmed that he will play in The Senior Open Championship at Turnberry, a tournament presented by Rolex.
Greg famously finished five shots clear of English Ryder Cup player Gordon J Brand over the famous Ailsa Course to win The 1986 Open Championship. That win cemented the Shark’s place in golfing history, as he then went on to occupy the World number one spot for 331 weeks, and also claim a second Claret Jug at Royal St George’s in 1993. Turnberry will always hold a special place in Greg’s heart and he is really happy to have the opportunity to return to the renowned Scottish links next month. The now 57-year-old Greg Norman will also renew his acquaintance with fellow Turnberry champion Tom Watson, who is also in the field for the 26th Senior Open Championship.
Greg spoke about returning to the scene of his first Major triumph;
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Turnberry for this summer’s Senior Open. I’m sure once I arrive the memories will come flooding back. Turnberry will always be special to me as that is where I won my first Major Championship. But aside from my victory, there is also some great history at Turnberry. It produced the “Duel in the Sun” between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus in 1977. That finish where Watson pulled out the victory will not soon be forgotten. So this place produces some dramatic golf and provides a great venue for both The Open Championship and The Senior Open Championship.”
The ‘Great White Shark’ still has some vivid recollections of how he captured that first Claret Jug;
“It really was a special time, I will never forget that victory and the events of that week. I vividly remember sitting in the restaurant at the Turnberry Hotel on Saturday night when Jack Nicklaus came over and pulled up a chair. Jack gave me a tip that night on grip pressure. He said;
” Concentrate on the pressure of your grip, and that will orchestrate your tempo. Everything should fall in place.”
“I took that tip to heart and the next day I really did play well. I had a five shot lead walking down the eighteenth hole and when some of the fans formed a traditional rugby scrum in the middle of the 18th fairway, I knew I had won my first major golf tournament.”
