Presidents Pitch In For A Good Cause

By Tom Hanson
Naples News

HOBE SOUND -- A Masters title has always eluded Greg Norman. But Wednesday he masterfully orchestrated a historical political coup.

The man who originally thought up the idea for the World Golf Tour used his powerful persona and his personal relationships to persuade two former presidents, from different allegiances, to play together in one of the world's largest one-day charity events.

Norman recruited ex-Presidents George H.W. Bush, No. 41, and Bill Clinton, No. 42, to tee it up in a tsunami relief effort called Three Friends: One Goal. The unique get-together at Norman's course the Medalist Golf Club raised $1.8 million.

Norman said he got the idea to have the golf tournament days after current President George W. Bush appointed his two predecessors to represent the United States after the devastating storm struck Asia and Africa on Dec. 26.

What started as a conversation with his wife, Laura, transpired into 68 golfers enduring a rainy day and playing a hole with the two presidents and Norman.

"From my perspective it is a great day," Norman said. "To be part of something and give back to those two who have basically achieved everything that is achievable, and to help the relief efforts go to another level because of their position, it feels great."

Both Presidents said that golf and charity are a natural link with the PGA Tour, which generates millions of dollars a year for worthy causes.

And neither was surprised that Norman came up with the idea.

"Greg Norman has always been helping out people," Bush said. "He is a wonderful person. This thing wouldn't happen here and to this degree without him."

Norman, who is Australian, said he's always been impressed with America's generosity. Much like his idea to give the world the best golfers, he only wants the best for everyone in the world.

"We live in a global society and the tragedy that struck South Asia and East Africa touched all of us," said Norman, who competed last week in the Dubai Desert Classic and will make his PGA Tour season debut at The Players Championship in two weeks. "We have all been adversely affected by Mother Nature's wrath, many us recently as last summer when a quartet of hurricanes swept through Florida."

Coincidentally, the rain interrupted Wednesday's festivities, causing players to get in only about nine holes.

Norman, who rode out two hurricanes last year in his Jupiter Island home, solicited members and friends to donate $30,000 for this once-in-a-lifetime round of golf. Bush said he wasn't surprised by the golf communities' generosity.

All the proceeds will be distributed to Americans and The U.S. Fund for UNICEF: Water and Sanitation Fund, two nonprofit agencies helping victims of the earthquake and resulting tsunami relief.

"Golf and golf lovers are generally what I call bright points of light. They want to help others," said Bush, who along with Clinton has raised $1.07 billion for tsunami relief funds. "Greg certainly has stepped up here and done it in a wonderful way and I'm proud to be part of it."

PGA Tour player and Norman's good friend, Scott McCarron, who also played, said Norman continues to surprise him with his ability to pull of the unthinkable.

"For Greg to get two presidents, raise $1.8 million and be able to put it together so quickly is truly unbelievable," McCarron said. "I think it tells you about the man and the person Greg is and the friendships that he has made."