Norman Wins Crowns in Japan
Greg Norman took home the Chunichi Crowns by defeating American Blaine McCallister and Japan’s Koichi Suzuki. Norman, always a crowd favorite in Japan, managed rounds of 65, 68, 71 and 68 to claim the title. His 8-under-par total was good for a three-stroke margin of victory.
In a field naturally dominated by Japanese stars, Australia was well represented in this year’s clash with familiar faces like Graham Marsh, Craig Parry, Peter Senior, Terry Gale and Ian Baker-Finch making the trip to Aichi.
Norman’s opening 65 was tied for the low round of the day (with Tadao Nakamura), but conditions were favorable for scoring, so a host of players hovered near the top of the leaderboard. At the halfway point Norman and Suzuki shared top honors on 133, four clear of McCallister and Marsh.
McCallister raced in front by two shots after a sizzling 65 in the third round. Norman and Suzuki held a share of second place after 54 holes. In the final round, McCallister succumbed to the mounting pressure and Norman’s 68 was enough for another comfortable victory.
The Chunichi Crowns is one of Japan’s marquee tournaments and continues to lure an impressive international field. Norman’s appearance only intensified the interest in this year’s event. Japan’s passion for golf and its love affair with The Shark amounts to much drama for those who descend on Nagoya Golf Club.