After scoring 8 birdies in the final 18 at Augusta National in 1988, Greg Norman still fell short of what would have been his first Masters victory. He still managed to get a bit closer to winning the tournament in the future. But he was never able to replicate his performance on the final day of the 1988 version ever again.

The Australian legend has since overcome many obstacles in his career not only as a player but also as an official in golf. But the incidents from 36 years ago still haunt him to this day. This became a topic of discussion on one of the most recognized golf podcasts available online.

Greg Norman and the ‘nearly’ won 1988 Masters

KVV and Soly sat down for another great No Laying Up Podcast titled 1998 Major Championships Deep Dive. The duo discussed various historic moments in golf, including the 1988 Masters Tournament. The major that Greg Norman almost won with an 8-under par 72 in the round 4. This was the lowest score anyone from the top 10 players had hit in the 4-day event. The next best was a 67.

Right after this, everyone began criticizing the LIV Golf CEO. KVV says that Norman was battling a shoulder injury and that everyone was saying, “Maybe Greg’s time has passed.” KVV shared that it was during this time that one of Norman’s closest confidants revealed something surprising about the Australian pro. KVV quoted, “If there is one tournament Greg wishes he could win, it’s the Masters.” Adding to how much Norman regrets not being able to win it in 1988, the host said, “It kills him that he can’t go into the champions’ locker room [at Augusta National]. It kills him that he can’t go to the champions’ dinner. It kills him that [Nick] Faldo can play in the Masters for the rest of his life, and he can’t.”

Greg Norman did go on to play in many more Masters over the years and had three runner-up finishes overall. Yet, a victory at the Augusta National Golf Club evaded him throughout his career. But he was still a well-respected pro in the tournament and always had an invitation to the course during the event. That was until 2023, when the Masters Tournament officials decided to not include Greg Norman in the invitation list for the first time in the latter’s career.

Did that stop Greg Norman from still visiting the Augusta National? No! The 2024 Masters Tournament witnessed the unexpected arrival of The Great White Shark on the course. Although he was not stalking his prey this time around. Instead, the reason given by the Australian was that he was looking after his LIV Golf compadres as they participated in the tournament. As per a report published on Golf.com, Norman said, “I’m here because we have 13 players that won 10 Masters between them. So I’m here just to support them, do the best I can to show them, ‘Hey, you know, the boss is here rooting for you.’” Quite a great sentiment presented by the golf legend. But it was not taken that way by the golf fraternity, as many perceived it to be a desperate attempt to stick around at the Augusta Nationals.

Despite everything, the LIV Golf CEO has still achieved quite a few honors throughout his career. Let’s take a look at his trophy cabinet.

An illustrious career to look back upon

Greg Norman made a name for himself on the course for his ruthless approach to the game. The LIV Golf CEO was often seen keeping a close eye on his opponents as he moved along the course. That’s what earned him ‘The Great White Shark’ moniker and helped him win 20 PGA Tour events. His exploits include 2x The Open Championship in 1986 and 1993. He also has won 71 international professional tournaments during his career.

With such a large collection of trophies, there is no reason for Greg Norman to feel envious of anyone. Yet, the dream of wearing the green jacket or rather, the nightmare of never getting to wear it will always be one of his major regrets. Do you think we would have seen a different Greg Norman had he achieved his dream of winning The Masters Tournament? Let us know in the comment section!