As Greg Norman approaches his 70th birthday, we reflect on the incredible legacy he has built over his remarkable career. A two-time Open Championship winner and a standout on both the PGA and European Tours, Norman racked up 34 career victories, solidifying his place among golf’s all-time greats. But his influence extended beyond his playing days. Norman has garnered an immaculate reputation as the driving force behind LIV Golf, transforming it from a mere concept into a competitive force in the professional golf world.

Despite his fair share of controversies, particularly with figures like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, Norman’s impact on the sport cannot be denied. Even after stepping down as LIV’s CEO, Norman remains actively involved in the golf scene and recently accepted a role on the organizing committee for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. With so much history behind him, it’s time to celebrate Greg Norman’s most unforgettable moments in golf as he turns 70.

1. Greg Norman’s first PGA Tour Win in 1980

Greg Norman turned professional back in 1976 when he was 21 YO. However, back then he could only make a name for himself in the European Tour by winning at the West Lakes Classic. But it was only four years later that his name started racking up in the headlines. But why was it so? It was because of his charismatic first win on the PGA Tour in 1980. The first round did not turn out to be as great for Greg Norman.

If you compare it with today’s scores, the numbers aren’t even that great, but back then, pulling out four rounds of 71-70-73-70 was a massive milestone. At least that is what the leaderboard tells us. He defeated American Professional golfer Bobby Jones by a close one stroke and clinched the title of the 1980 Australian Open. That was when people knew that he was here to stay.

2. Winning the Presidents Cup in 1998

The Internationals have only won the Presidents Cup once, but it was a victory that left a lasting mark. In 1998, at Royal Melbourne, they dominated the U.S. team with a 20.5 to 11.5 scoreline. The win is still remembered for several unforgettable moments, including that incredible chip from Craig Parry. The team was a mix of international talent, with four Australians, Craig Parry, Greg Norman, Steve Elkington, and Stuart Appleby, leading the charge.

Representing New Zealand were Greg Turner and Frank Nobilo, who weren’t exactly best buddies. Meanwhile, Nick Price and Ernie Els brought the African flavor, while Carlos Franco from Paraguay, Shigeki Maruyama Joe Osaki from Japan, and Vijay Singh rounded out the team. One of the standout performances came from Shigeki Maruyama, who made history by winning all five of his matches, finishing with a perfect 5-0-0 record. Quite the achievement for a team that defied the odds!

3. Greg Norman’s second Major victory at the Turnberry in 1986

In 1986, Greg Norman achieved a remarkable feat by leading all four major championships after 54 holes—a record no other golfer has matched. Despite this dominance, he secured only one major victory that year, winning The Open Championship at Turnberry with a score of 280 (E). This paradox led to the term “Saturday Slam” being coined to describe his situation. Norman’s performance in 1986 was exceptional. He led the Masters Tournament after three rounds but finished second. At the U.S. Open, he also led after 54 holes but ended up second.

In the PGA Championship, he led after 54 holes and finished second. His sole major win that year was The Open Championship, where he led after 54 holes and won. This season highlighted Norman’s consistency and skill, even though he didn’t clinch more than one major title. His ability to lead in all four majors that year remains a testament to his prowess on the golf course.

4. Greg Norman’s close win at the 1987 Masters

Greg Norman has been a master of landing in the second position, and his statistics are a standing testament to it. He has had 31 second-place finishes in his career, but the worst ones were at the Majors, significantly the 1987 Masters where he thought he had almost won. He maintained the lead until Sunday, till the end of the round. However, Augusta native Larry Mize won his only major championship in a sudden-death playoff over Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman. Norman had barely missed a 20-foot (6 m) birdie opportunity on the 72nd hole which would have won him the tournament in regulation.

5. Greg Norman achieves an unattainable feat in

Greg Norman’s total career earnings in golf reached $17,695,927 from 1981 to 2012, with $14,132,979 earned on the PGA Tour and an additional $3,562,948 from major tournaments, according to Spotrac. He made history as the first professional golfer to surpass $10 million in career earnings, setting a benchmark for future golfers. This remarkable achievement reflects his outstanding success on the course, including two major victories, and his significant off-course appeal. Norman’s financial milestone paved the way for a new era of lucrative opportunities for golfers in the sport.

Which is your favorite moment from Greg Norman’s professional career? Let us know in the comments section below!