Greg Norman, often hailed as one of Australia’s greatest golfers, boasts a remarkable career with 88 titles globally and a stint as world No. 1 for 331 weeks. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001, and the prestigious Greg Norman Medal now celebrates the best golfer in Australia each year. Despite his accomplishments, most notably winning the Open Championship twice in 1986 and 1993, Norman’s legacy is marred by several near misses in major tournaments, particularly the infamous 1996 Masters.
Thirty years ago, Norman entered the Masters at the top of his game, leading after a record-breaking first round with a score of 63. By the end of the third round, he held a commanding six-shot lead over Nick Faldo, a two-time Masters champion himself and the last golfer he wanted to face on the final day. Many anticipated a coronation for Norman, yet he revealed later that he struggled with sleep that night, burdened by the pressure of expectation.
Compounding his psychological turmoil, Norman faced criticism from golf commentators, a reality that rattled him before his final round. His demeanour on Sunday contrasted starkly with the confidence displayed the previous day. While Norman faltered early by missing a short putt, Faldo capitalised on his chance, and the tide shifted dramatically. Lead-changing moments unfolded on the par-3 12th hole when Norman’s ball ended up in water, leading to a double bogey, exacerbating his growing anxiety.
As the day unfolded, Norman faced further disappointment on the par-5 15th hole, narrowly missing a vital putt that could have shifted momentum back in his favour. His exasperation was palpable as he recognised the bitter reality of yet another missed opportunity for victory at the Masters. Faldo ultimately claimed the tournament by five strokes, executing a remarkable comeback to seal what many labelled one of the most dramatic collapses in sports history.
Despite their on-course rivalry, Norman and Faldo have had little personal rapport. Faldo, who has openly criticised Norman’s recent LIV Golf ventures, appears to maintain a standoffish approach to their interactions post-1996. Norman has expressed disdain for Faldo’s comments and believes their relationship stagnated after the Masters debacle, despite a brief moment of solidarity when they embraced after the tournament.
As Norman reflects on his storied yet tumultuous career, the events of the 1996 Masters stand as a poignant reminder of the pressures and intricacies of competitive sports and how they shape a player’s legacy. With Norman again missing his invitation to the Masters amid ongoing LIV Golf controversies, the enduring animosity between him and Faldo is unlikely to diminish.