Shark Streaks to Four in a Row
Greg Norman proved to his devoted home State fans why he is the world’s No. 1 golfer when he stormed home to take out the $100,000 Stefan Queensland Open at Coolangatta-Tweed Heads.
He produced the putt of the tournament – a seven metre eagle putt on the 14th hole to set up his best ever streak of four tournament wins in a row.
Norman added the Queensland title – his second in four years to his string of the European Open, Dunhill Cup and World Match Play titles.
His eagle three brought a tremendous roar from the 20,000 fans who flocked to the course to watch their hero.
It also gave him a three shot swing against a floundering overnight leader Jeff Woodland – and from there, there was no catching him.
Until then, Norman was playing steady, but unspectacular golf.
He had struggled the previous two days with trying conditions and some vicious pin placements.
But when the championship shot was required, he produced it.
And he produced a rousing two-metre birdie putt on his final hole again to the delight of his adoring fans, who crushed every vantage point around the 18th green to get a glimpse of their idol.
In the end, Norman, who started two shots off the pace, had six shots to spare over Woodland and Peter Senior, who tied for secondspot.
Norman finished 11-under the card on 277 with rounds of 67, 70, 70, 70 for the winner’s prize of $18,000 – a pittance compared to the US 1.6 million he has earned so far this year.
Woodland (64, 73,68, 78) and Senior (71, 68, 73, 71) finished on 283 and each received $8,850. Brett Ogle finished fourth on 284 (69, 66, 73, 76) to collect $4,980.
Norman, who will pick up more the $500,000 in appearance money for six events in Australia, said it was important he won here.
“It was very important I came out here and did well this week,” he said.
“I placed a burden on my back by entering so many events out here, but fortunately I have started off on the right foot,” he said.
“Queensland gave me my start in golf and I owed it to the public to play well. I hope they were happy with me.”
They were more than happy!