Norman Wins in Spectacular Form
Greg Norman won the Greater Milwaukee Open in Franklin, Wisconsin, shooting a 19-under-par total of 269 to beat Andy Bean by three strokes. Mark Lye and Ted Schultz shared third at 15 under.
Norman was on fire at Tuckaway Country Club, and this was one September event that will remain etched in the memories of many. It was a spectacular four-day display – from the atmosphere to the action, the galleries to the golf.
This was Norman’s first appearance in the Greater Milwaukee Open, and he made sure it was a lucrative week. Norman earned $144,000 for the victory.
After rounds of 64, 69 and 66 The Shark enjoyed a 54-hole tournament record at 199. The final round, however, did not start with the same momentum. Norman needed a 12-footer to save bogey on the 11th hole and maintain a share of the lead. After making that putt, he promptly gave himself a tongue-lashing that served as the necessary tonic.
“The putt that won me the tournament was the one I missed on the 11th,” Norman said. “When I missed that putt, I was so mad and fired up inside it kind of reversed my whole psychological thinking. From there on in I said to myself, ‘Look, you’ve got seven holes to go. Are you good enough to birdie them?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I know I can birdie three of them.'”
He did just that. Norman was 1 over for the day through 11, but he closed with three birdies in his final eight holes to finish with a 2-under 70 and a comfortable three-shot margin.
Norman was 11 under on the par-5s for the week, and he consistently launched tee shots in excess of 300 yards. The largest crowd in the history of the event was treated to a spectacular display, and approaching the final green Norman was given one of the biggest ovations ever witnessed.