Australian · Mount Isa, Queensland · Born 10 February 1955Greg Norman, 'The Shark,' dominated world rankings for 331 weeks with two Open Championship titles.
Gregory John Norman was born on 10 February 1955 in Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia, and turned professional in 1976, developing into one of the most charismatic and aggressive players of his generation, earning the nickname "the Great White Shark" during the 1981 Masters after telling reporters he grew up diving with sharks on the Great Barrier Reef. Norman won two Open Championships, in 1986 and 1993, the latter secured with a stunning final-round 64 at Royal St George's, and spent 331 consecutive weeks as the world's top-ranked golfer, a total exceeded only by Tiger Woods in the sport's history. Despite his dominance, Norman became equally known for a series of heartbreaking major championship collapses, most notably the 1996 Masters, where he squandered a six-stroke final-round lead, shooting 78 as Nick Faldo produced a flawless 67 to steal the Green Jacket. Norman finished his playing career with 88 international victories and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001, before building an extensive business empire spanning golf course design, wine, and clothing, and later serving as the founding CEO of the LIV Golf series from 2022 to 2025.
Spending 331 weeks at World No.1 despite only 2 majors
How They Played
Aggressive, powerful driver, fearless approach shots
Lasting Impact
One of golf's most recognizable figures, dominated world rankings for over 6 years
Career Honours
- Open Championship 1986, 1993
- 331 weeks World No.1
Australian Athletes