‘I Could Relate to Jack’: Greg Norman Once Recalled a Few Things the Shark Took From Jack Nicklaus’ Close to Flawless Golf Swing

LIV CEO Greg Norman was Australia’s most successful professional, which success made him a brand. And since his early career days, he has set many milestones and achieved many victories. However, in 2020, he shared his career journey with journalist, Shaun Tolson. His ordeals of success will tell you why the great white shark was the best golfer of his time.

Many outstanding golfers like Tiger Woods have become the subject of influence for young golfers. The same was the case for Norman too. He loved golf since his teenage days, but his inspiration was the 18-time major championship winner Jack Nicklaus. Norman was a born athlete who used to live along the Queensland coast. He used to play rugby, Aussie rules football, cricket, and — most passionately — surfing. But later, he was focused on golf.

How did Jack Nicklaus influence Greg Norman?

After Norman decided to become a golfer, they tutored him properly, with professional help. Eventually, golf lessons were instilled via private instruction. However, before the private classes, the retired golfer relied on the two golf books written by none other than Jack Nicklaus the great. They named the books Golf My Way and My 55 Ways to Lower Your Golf Score. Norman studied every detail closely in the book. In a 2020 interview, he said, “I studied his grip, stance, ball position, posture, and takeaway. That’s all I studied. I could relate to Jack. I didn’t know him, but [after reading those books] I felt like I knew him.” However, things were about to change.

Read more- When Greg Norman Talked Trash About Jack Nicklaus and Went On to Regret It

During the 1976 Australian Open, the great white shark of golf got acquainted with the Golden Bear of golf. Norman was playing his third professional tournament and was paired with the PGA pro for the first two rounds. If you notice, their last names are very close alphabetically. Therefore, their lockers were right next to each other. Norman recalled the time and said, “I got to know him, and he was very embracing. I felt comfortable with him very quickly.” Even the LIV CEO believes that Nicklaus was the reason he won his first major.

And that was how two Hall of Famers met. They both were at very different stages of their career. However, their meeting resulted in an excellent connection. When Norman was at a great height in his career, fans compared him to Nicklaus. And not to mention, his blonde hair was also the talk of the town. As a result of their connection, golf writers began calling the Aussie golfer by the name ‘Bear Cub.’ However, Norman was glad that it did not come in the flow. He said, “I’m glad it didn’t set in the way that it could have.”

How did Norman start playing golf?

It might come as a shock, but golf did not enter the picture of Norman very soon. He was 15 years old when he first caddied for his mother. She was a remarkable player with a single-digit handicap. And when she retired from golf, the major championship winner again picked up his mother’s golf bags. However, at that time, it was for himself.

Watch this story-  Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Revealed Why Greg Norman Won’t Look at Him ‘Eye-To-Eye’ Despite Their Longtime Friendship

Has any golfer ever influenced you? Let us know in the comments.