Greg Norman: Still a Hit
His turn and release remain legendary

By Brad Redding
Top 100 Teacher

Mark O'Meara once told me that Greg Norman hated to see his golf ball go left, that he preferred a slight fade to his shots. That's not surprising when you consider how the 53-year-old Australian idolized and modeled his swing after one of the game's all-time great faders, Jack Nicklaus.

I'm not the biggest fan of Norman's swing, but it was fun to watch it in action again at this year's British Open during his near-miracle romp through Royal Birkdale. Even though Norman has worked with many coaches — most notably Butch Harmon in the early and mid 1990s — his key moves have changed very little since he emerged on the world stage in the mid 1970s.

Amateurs should ignore the way his swing moves between planes, but pay close attention to the way Norman rotates his upper body going back while keeping his spine angle intact — a move that's vital to hitting successful shots, regardless of your skill level.

GREG NORMAN• 89 worldwide wins
• 1986, 1993 British Open champion
• $14.5 million in career earnings (50th)

Credit: Mark Newcombe/Visions in Golf