Norman Entertains Residents, Fans At Golfest In The Villages

Courtesy of Gary Corsair
The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES, Fla. - Nearly 200 men and women came to revere Greg Norman, the golfer, during a luncheon Friday at Mulberry Grove Recreation Center.

An hour and a half later, after enjoying steaks and wine produced by companies the golf legend owns, most were talking about Greg Norman, the entrepreneur.

"He's into a lot of businesses, isn't he? He's a great man," mused Village of Piedmont resident Joyce Hatton, who snapped dozens of pictures of professional golf's "Great White Shark," who has twice won the British Open Championship and more than $10 million in his illustrious career.

Greg Norman talks with Golfweek writer Jeff Rude during a luncheon at Mulberry Grove Recreation Center in The Villages. (Photo by Mark DiOrio, Daily Sun)

Indeed. Norman's business interests include Australian wine, steaks, turf, real estate development, eyewear, golf course design, apparel and global positioning systems.

"He's a Renaissance man with his golf course design, real estate, apparel and other businesses," said Village of Ashland resident Diane Spencer. "And philanthropy. He's somebody young and old can look up to."

Norman's most recent philanthropy is raising thousands of dollars for The Villages Health System Foundation Inc., the nonprofit organization leading a drive to raise $4.8 million for Moffitt Cancer Center at The Villages. All of the proceeds from Friday's luncheon -- tickets ranged from $75 to $150 -- were donated to the foundation.

Even non-golfers - a few were present - were impressed by Norman's manner, intelligence and presence.

"I'm not a golfer... yet. But this was fun," Village of Caroline resident Bobbi Neal said.

Bobbi and her husband were particularly taken with Norman's plans on blanketing China with his golf-related products.

"He's quite the inspiration," Steve Neal said. "I was especially impressed with the business side of his discussion. I wasthinking that we may need to do some investments in Greg Norman in China."

Village of Bonnybrook resident Richard Kelley had similar thoughts.

"His view on China was the most interesting thing. I didn't realize there was so much potential for golf there," Kelley said.

Business was on Norman's mind, but most of his one-hour question-and-answer session dealt with golf -- his triumphs, a few disappointments, the impact of his recent shoulder surgery, the future of the PGA Tour, and Tiger Woods.

"I thought he was excellent. There was a great give-and-take between Greg and the rest of the people in the room," said Village of La Zamora resident Phil Noble.

Norman had the room buzzing when he predicted that Woods will not surpass Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major victories.

"I was surprised by that," said Village of Chatham resident John Quinn. "A lot of commentators think Tiger will pass Jack. I'm surprised he (Norman) thinks Tiger will only win one more major."

Regardless of the topic, Norman's personality ruled the day.

"He was terrific, very intelligent," said Ocala resident Jeff Barnes, one of 48 fans who paid $150 to have a meal and have their photos taken with Norman. "He's very charismatic. And he still looks young enough to go out and do it."

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