Aug
10
Greg Norman wimps out at PGA Championship, avoids Tiger Woods' killer glare
Greg Norman does not have any more guts at 50 than he did at 30. The Shark withdrew from the PGA Championship citing “muscle fatigue". Apparently, that’s the new code for fear of embarrassing oneself.
Something tells me Norman saved himself from one humbling, uncomfortable first round. For Norman took some shots at Tiger Woods last week. Before he found out he would be paired with Tiger and Michael Campbell in the first round of the PGA.
Norman emphatically declared that Jack Nicklaus in his prime would dominate Tiger Woods in his prime. “Put the technology that we have nowadays in Nicklaus’ hands 30 years ago, he’d eat (Tiger) for lunch,'’ Norman told the New York Daily News.
This isn’t to say Norman’s an idiot. Imagining anyone “eating Tiger for lunch” sounds laugable to me, but I’m not one of those Michelle Wie message board posting zealots who rip on a golfer for daring to say something interesting that isn’t kissing someone’s butt.
But it’s obvious how Tiger Woods would take it. The man does not like it when people question his legacy. Norman surely would have been in for two days of intense Tiger glares on every putt. The safe money would have been on Woods slapping the Shark for 10 strokes on the first day alone.
You don’t mess with Tiger.
Of course, Norman suddenly does not have to worry about that. Mr. Choke himself sidelined himself with … muscle fatigue! Yes, I know he played in four consecutive tournaments coming off back surgery and he had a neurosurgeon’s note. And everyone in high school is really sick on Senior Skip Day too.
Please. This is called Tiger pain.
From Greg Norman, you expect anything else?
| « The PGA Championship, already in danger of becoming the fifth major, desperately needs Phil Mickelson to hold off his cough till Sunday | Morgan Pressel tells the Michelle Wie truth » |
38 comments
Comment from: Casey [Visitor]
Chris, can't believe you get paid to do this? This site must be really desperate for writers, cause your work is so bush-league.
2005-08-10 @ 05:01
Comment from: Marilyn [Visitor]
You hit it right on the head. Norman still cannot get over the fact that Tiger, at 21 years old supplanted him as #1. Norman was The Man before 1997 Masters happened. He's been M.I.A. since.
2005-08-10 @ 07:30
Comment from: Matt [Visitor]
You are most likely the stupidest golf writer out there ....You sit behind your silly computer and talk about guys like Norman...You have no idea about what golf is and what writing about golf is all about. As another person said - I cannot believe that you get paid to write this...
2005-08-10 @ 10:09
Comment from: Homer [Visitor]
I don't think your harsh criticism is warranted. The guy did after all have back surgery and did play four consecutive events. Even if Tiger were to beat Norman by 10 shots, there is no shame in that. After all Tiger is more than 20 years younger than Norman.
2005-08-10 @ 10:25
Comment from: Robert [Visitor]
I wonder whether this writer has ever played in one tour event let alone four events in a row. Do you realy think Greg Norman has anything to prove to you or anyone else for that matter? You will do a lot more for your "craft" if you take the high road instead of slinging some ill conceived slander at a player who was number one in the world at one time. Have you been number one in the world at anything?
2005-08-10 @ 10:29
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
From Chris article.
It appears Chris loves Tiger.
Aww. Sorry mate, he's married.
By the way Tiger is a great player.
Jack was also a great player. You cannot possibly say who was better. However Greg Norman is more qualified than anyone to comment.
He was number one himself for years. He is a class player......... and he did win something. He won 80 tournaments.
& what about his 3 majors.
Did he forget to choke then????
.... or could it be that he is not a choker.
It appears Chris loves Tiger.
Aww. Sorry mate, he's married.
By the way Tiger is a great player.
Jack was also a great player. You cannot possibly say who was better. However Greg Norman is more qualified than anyone to comment.
He was number one himself for years. He is a class player......... and he did win something. He won 80 tournaments.
& what about his 3 majors.
Did he forget to choke then????
.... or could it be that he is not a choker.
2005-08-10 @ 10:49
Comment from: Norman [Visitor]
Oh and Chris....
I am delighted you managed to get Michelle Wie into your article.
Now you can sleep sound tonight.
I am delighted you managed to get Michelle Wie into your article.
Now you can sleep sound tonight.
2005-08-10 @ 10:57
Comment from: Ivory [Visitor]
Come on guys!!!
All of you are articulate and intelligent, therefore I'm sure you realize that Chris is doing what he's probably paid to do. Take positions/points of view that will definitely illicit strong response from the readership. By that standard, Chris Baldwin is doing a great job. But taken at face-value, Chris is sometimes over-the-top and seemingly brain-dead.
Keep up the good work, Chris!!!
All of you are articulate and intelligent, therefore I'm sure you realize that Chris is doing what he's probably paid to do. Take positions/points of view that will definitely illicit strong response from the readership. By that standard, Chris Baldwin is doing a great job. But taken at face-value, Chris is sometimes over-the-top and seemingly brain-dead.
Keep up the good work, Chris!!!
2005-08-10 @ 11:32
Comment from: Michael Thomas [Visitor]
Bravo!! I read those absurd comments The Choker said last week at the Interational and I was highly anticipating Tiger humiliating Norman. I e-mailed about 4-5 sportswriters to tell them of the comments and juicy first two round pairings but you were the only one to pick it up- I salute you!!!!
2005-08-10 @ 11:52
Comment from: visitor [Visitor]
You are pieace of thrash. You have no idea what you are talking about. You probabaly don't know greg norman. He is the best and he can beat tiger whenever he wants.
2005-08-10 @ 14:14
Comment from: Golfer [Visitor]
Now, I have nothing against Greg Normal he was a good golfer, but umm, that last statement that he can beat tiger whenever he wants, just factually isn't true at all. Greg Normal isn't as good sa Tiger Woods, and nor is it really good to compare the two. You pretty much can only compare Jack and Tiger, noone else really comes close.
2005-08-10 @ 14:48
Comment from: Kyle [Visitor]
Chris Baldwin is a sub par writer at best, and can't get even more than 1 comment on his other articles that don't personally attack people.
How sad to be such a mediocre writer that the only way to get attention is assassinate someone's character so people feel compelled to answer back.
How about write something of quality so it will get attention on its own.
You should read some Ralph Wiley and Roy Johnson and learn something...(although its impossible for you to even go near the high quality of even their worst work)
2005-08-10 @ 14:57
Comment from: Kyle [Visitor]
Oh yeah--I see you're still not over your Michelle Wie fixation...
2005-08-10 @ 15:00
Comment from: visitor [Visitor]
I believe 2006 will be the year for greg Norman. His back surgery was successfull and he i beleive is going to win some tournaments. He will be a tough contender in 2006
2005-08-10 @ 15:32
The guy's 50 years old man. Give him a break. Besides, it's Tiger turn to shine. Shark should go sailing one of his many boats.
2005-08-10 @ 16:12
Comment from: Eldrick [Visitor]
The debate is impossible right now because I haven't hit my prime yet.
2005-08-11 @ 01:16
Comment from: Rob [Visitor]
I agree with the earlier poster that your writing ability leaves much to be desired. Actually, the Wie zealots (and detractors) on message boards you referred to, many are much better at making a persuasive argument than you. Your writing is truly amateurish!
2005-08-11 @ 01:21
Comment from: John D [Visitor]
There is one way you can compare Tigger to the rest of the "greats" from the '60's & '70's. Put the equipment of that era in Tigger's hands and see if he is capable of hitting 300 plus yard drives and sub par rounds, consistantly. The old men can't go back to Tigger's age, but the old equipment is still around. Then compare stats.
2005-08-11 @ 05:20
Comment from: Richard [Visitor]
You have knocked it stone dead. Norman has always been all show and all mouth. From accusing fellow players of cheating, withdrawing from the Tour Championship because it was delayed until Monday (in last place of course), getting whipped by Faldo, to shanking it on the 18th at the Masters with JN looking on from behind the green in 1986. Well, I could keep going, but I don't have enough room. In short, Tiger never quits and it's absurd to think JN would have owned TW today. Quite honestly, JN had little respectable competition passed Watson during his "playing days".
2005-08-11 @ 07:20
Comment from: BV [Visitor]
In my most humble opinion, I think poster "John D" has a VERY interesting concept. Take a decent-sized course and give the Big 4 the balls and other equipment used on the Tour 25 years ago. Let 'em go at it and see what sort of scores they post. THAT is something I'd watch all 4 days of on ESPN.
2005-08-11 @ 10:05
Comment from: Shanks [Visitor]
Greg Norman had unbelievable talent, ranking No. 1 for over 5 consecutive years. He was dominant. Had he not lost his nearly unsurmountable lead to Faldo in the '97 Masters, he probably would have been labeled as merely snake-bitten. If the Tway bunker shot doesn't go in on the 72nd hole of the PGA, he likely makes bogey & Norman wins. If the Mize chip shot doesn't go in (an even more remarkable shot), he also likely makes bogey and Norman wins. That alone would bring his total to 4 majors and possibly been enough wins to deflect the criticism of the many other majors that he gave away. Everyone should remember that Jack Nicklaus finished 2nd in majors 19 times, so he had his share that "got away". Arnold Palmer blew many majors, including a 7 shot lead ON THE BACK NINE! But Jack won 18 and Arnie won 9. It's inexplicable for a player of Greg's talent to have so few wins in the big tournaments .... other than to say that he didn't handle the pressure as well as the others did. No shame in that. Everybody chokes/gags, it's just that some do it less than others.
Note to Norman (above) - Greg Norman has won only 2 majors, both Open Championships.
Note to Norman (above) - Greg Norman has won only 2 majors, both Open Championships.
2005-08-11 @ 10:15
Comment from: Thaler [Visitor]
Chris, your comments are hilarious. Perhaps Norman is not as complete a player as Woods - few could claim that prize, not Faldo, not Palmer, not Sevvy and and you point out, perhaps not even Jack.
However, I have no doubt that Norman on his day could beat Woods. In boxing, Norman would be Foreman, Frazier or Liston - a great athelete that commands respects and would win more often than not.
You on the othe hand seem happy to toss insults at a man who could probably beat you at almost every aspect of you life. I've met Norman and would be happy having a beer with him, gettting him to run a business, letting him look after my kids etc etc. Judging by your writing, you on the other hand, are not worthy to lick his taint.
However, I have no doubt that Norman on his day could beat Woods. In boxing, Norman would be Foreman, Frazier or Liston - a great athelete that commands respects and would win more often than not.
You on the othe hand seem happy to toss insults at a man who could probably beat you at almost every aspect of you life. I've met Norman and would be happy having a beer with him, gettting him to run a business, letting him look after my kids etc etc. Judging by your writing, you on the other hand, are not worthy to lick his taint.
2005-08-11 @ 12:15
Comment from: Job [Visitor]
Chris.
You knock a 50 year old guy for withdrawing from a golf tournament on medical advice after back surgery?
Tough guy, you sound like the contemptible dribble that like to chew out girl scouts from behind their pansy keyboards.
Win a tournament or 80 and a major or two then type out your words of wisdom about competing.
You knock a 50 year old guy for withdrawing from a golf tournament on medical advice after back surgery?
Tough guy, you sound like the contemptible dribble that like to chew out girl scouts from behind their pansy keyboards.
Win a tournament or 80 and a major or two then type out your words of wisdom about competing.
2005-08-11 @ 12:23
Comment from: johnny rogers [Visitor]
Ah, I get it.
Chris you blog because your writing sucks so much that no one will pay you to write for them!
Chris you blog because your writing sucks so much that no one will pay you to write for them!
2005-08-11 @ 12:32
Comment from: Jen [Visitor]
Just the type of article I expected from you Chris...
after all YOU are the EXPERT on wimping out.
2005-08-11 @ 12:53
Comment from: Mike [Visitor]
Nice to see you're branching out, Chris--bashing aging, injured golfers now, as well as 15-year olds. How big of you.
First of all, Norman withdraw after consulting his doctors: "In conference with my neurosurgeon and physical therapist, they both believe I simply played too much too soon, hence this minor setback."
Did you try to verify that statement in any meaningful way? No, of course you didn't. You just decided to call one of the greatest golfers in the past thirty years a bold-faced liar. How shallow.
And if you think that Tiger cares one jot what others are saying about him, you don't know the first thing about the man. This "Tiger glares on evert putt" is utter nonsense. He would never behave like that on a golf course, no matter what Norman jsut had said about him.
And to cap it all, you completely missed a valid criticism of what Norman said. I bet you didn't even know that Tiger still plays with the same irons he played with when he was 14 years old. That's 15-year-old technology right there, and invalidates a lot of what Norman said about new technology.
If you took some time off from being such an ass, maybe you would have the time to learn what it takes to be a real blogger with interesting and informative entries. But then, that would be too much like hard work.
First of all, Norman withdraw after consulting his doctors: "In conference with my neurosurgeon and physical therapist, they both believe I simply played too much too soon, hence this minor setback."
Did you try to verify that statement in any meaningful way? No, of course you didn't. You just decided to call one of the greatest golfers in the past thirty years a bold-faced liar. How shallow.
And if you think that Tiger cares one jot what others are saying about him, you don't know the first thing about the man. This "Tiger glares on evert putt" is utter nonsense. He would never behave like that on a golf course, no matter what Norman jsut had said about him.
And to cap it all, you completely missed a valid criticism of what Norman said. I bet you didn't even know that Tiger still plays with the same irons he played with when he was 14 years old. That's 15-year-old technology right there, and invalidates a lot of what Norman said about new technology.
If you took some time off from being such an ass, maybe you would have the time to learn what it takes to be a real blogger with interesting and informative entries. But then, that would be too much like hard work.
2005-08-11 @ 15:47
Comment from: Susan [Visitor]
Good call Chris.
Even with a bad back, no way Greg would have been slapped by 10 strokes. The shark wouldn't have been shot an 85!
Even with a bad back, no way Greg would have been slapped by 10 strokes. The shark wouldn't have been shot an 85!
2005-08-11 @ 23:25
Comment from: Steven [Visitor]
Hey Chris, your doctor called. He wants to up your dosage of Risperdal. You freakshow.
2005-08-11 @ 23:32
Comment from: Shark [Visitor]
Norman would have played much better then the way tiger played today at pga championship. As a matter of fact he would be at 5 under that means he would have been slapped by 10 strokes
2005-08-11 @ 23:33
Comment from: NEASC [Visitor]
Hi,
Just to note that Norman and Woods did go head to head during the 2000 Presidents Cup and Woods won but only just.
Norman in his prime might beat Woods three times out of ten max.
Just to note that Norman and Woods did go head to head during the 2000 Presidents Cup and Woods won but only just.
Norman in his prime might beat Woods three times out of ten max.
2005-08-12 @ 09:21
Comment from: dave berner [Visitor]
As a golf writing brethren, I get your point. But now that Tiger shot a 75 in the first round, I think Norman would have kick his butt.
Funny how reality takes care of opinion.
And Tiger's wild and inconsistent first round - not an unusual thing for Tiger these days - shows Norman is probably right: Nicklaus, with the same equipment - would beaten Tiger. Why? How? Simple. There is no one in the history of the game who could manage a golf course or his game like Nicklaus - Tiger is incredible, but he's still got things to learn from the Golden Bear.
Funny how reality takes care of opinion.
And Tiger's wild and inconsistent first round - not an unusual thing for Tiger these days - shows Norman is probably right: Nicklaus, with the same equipment - would beaten Tiger. Why? How? Simple. There is no one in the history of the game who could manage a golf course or his game like Nicklaus - Tiger is incredible, but he's still got things to learn from the Golden Bear.
2005-08-12 @ 10:40
Comment from: Barbara [Visitor]
are you kidding me? they actually PAY you to write? apples and oranges, my dear. quit comparing folk and enjoy the talent of each player, and perhaps show a little respect, kiddo. and in hind-sight, i'm thinkin' mr. norman would probably be making the cut right about now, while mr. sweaty orange shirt may not. i'm getting tired of the tiger show. there are so many deserving players out there. please ignore all of them, dear. they're not worthy of your silly, childish remarks!
2005-08-12 @ 16:30
Comment from: James [Visitor]
DUDE--YOU ARE A JINX !!!
You wrote about how great Paula Creamer was during the Women's British Open then she triple bogies a hole and went from the Top 4 to 15th!!
Now you write about how Tiger is going to kick butt and he gets a bunch of bogeys and barely misses the cut at + 4 !!
You must be cursed or something !!
Maybe it is a GOOD thing that you hate Michelle Wie--it means she'll be REALLY successful !!
You wrote about how great Paula Creamer was during the Women's British Open then she triple bogies a hole and went from the Top 4 to 15th!!
Now you write about how Tiger is going to kick butt and he gets a bunch of bogeys and barely misses the cut at + 4 !!
You must be cursed or something !!
Maybe it is a GOOD thing that you hate Michelle Wie--it means she'll be REALLY successful !!
2005-08-12 @ 18:32
Comment from: James [Visitor]
CHRIS YOU ARE THE BIGGEST JINX!!
MORGAN PRESSEL JUST LOST IN THE FINALS TODAY OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP!!
LOL !!!
2005-08-14 @ 21:23
Comment from: Jon Wilson [Visitor]
Recently, a cover title claimed that Professional Golf did not raise enough contoversy. What seems to more the point is that journalists do not wnat to put their name on an article for fear of losing communication rights to certain tour players. How about the Greg Norman comments? Barely a peep was heard through the media channels! In all other sports this would have been the main story line for an entire week!
I do agree that there is no comparison with Tiger and Phil being the only two two win two majors in consecutive years. Although a great player Phil has much to proove.
Jon W.
I do agree that there is no comparison with Tiger and Phil being the only two two win two majors in consecutive years. Although a great player Phil has much to proove.
Jon W.
2005-08-17 @ 09:49
Comment from: visitor [Visitor]
Greg Norman beats Tiger woods in 2001 Skins game and won 1 million dollars. How about that you pieace of trash.
2005-08-17 @ 15:45
Comment from: dalton norwood [Visitor]
I think both of them are great player and No one can said that tiger will not go down as the greatest player to ever play the game giving time to finishes his career. One thing that ever one can agree with is no matter who you match Wood with they will will be facing a tiger
2006-08-20 @ 05:56
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