Norman Pitches In To Mentor Jin Jeong

Courtesy of Brent Read
The Australian

Greg Norman has marked his return to competitive golf by taking another of the game's emerging stars under his wing.

CRANS-MONTANA, SWITZERLAND - The two-time British Open champion, the marquee attraction at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, prepared for the tournament by spending more than four hours with Jin Jeong, one of the hottest amateurs in the world.

Jeong, born in Korea but living in Melbourne, contacted Norman recently asking whether the pair could play a practice round together. That day finally arrived on Monday as the pair spent 18 holes attempting to master the picturesque Crans Sur Sierre course, located in the Swiss Alps.

"I was a little bit nervous at first," said Jeong, who describes himself as a Kossie - part Korean, part Australian.

Greg Norman meets with rising star Jin Jeong at the Omega Masters at Crans Sur Sierre in the Swiss Alps. (Photo: Olivier Comment via The Australian)

"But he was a nice guy. It was fun."

Over the course of his career, Norman has mentored some of the game's biggest stars, most notably compatriots Adam Scott and Aaron Baddeley. As he enters the twilight years, the desire to pass on knowledge only grows stronger.

"I did the same, I went knocking on doors and picking up the phone," said Norman, playing his first tournament since undergoing shoulder surgery 12 months ago.

"I wasn't afraid to go ask for help. If somebody wants an opportunity to learn, give it back to them. More so now in my career I enjoy giving it back.

"I get a really good sense of satisfaction within. Before because you were so focused, you didn't know what you were doing.

"You were looking after yourself on the golf course. Now it's a pleasure for me to feel like I am giving back a little bit."

Jeong made headlines in July when he won the silver medal as the leading amateur at the British Open, making eagle at the last to finish at four under and beat Tiger Woods by a shot.

"One from one unbeaten," his coach and mentor Trevor Flakemore joked of finishing ahead of Woods.

By the end of 2012, Jeong aims to be playing alongside Woods on a regular basis on the US PGA Tour. His long-term aim is to take Woods' No 1 spot, hopefully within five years.

"Best player in the world, that's my goal," Jeong said.

By then, he might officially be an Australian. Although the 20-year-old has residency, he is yet to apply for citizenship. He hasn't ruled it out, however. At the moment, his energies are devoted towards a good result this week.

His game will receive a searching examination this week on a course where Australians have enjoyed success in recent years. Three years ago Brett Rumford won the tournament and he returns this week with his confidence after finishing second behind Italian Edoardo Molinari at the Johnnie Walker Classic last week.

"This is a great spot," Rumford said.

"It is what it is _ up in the Swiss Alps and a great golf course as well. I won out here _ chipped in on the first play-off hole.

"This course has treated me well over the years."

The course, and particularly its location, presents its own set of problems. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Crans Sur Sierre is 5000 feet above sea level, meaning the ball can travel up to 15 per cent further.

"It's the kind of golf course where a lot of birdies can be made if your short game is on," Rumford said.

"In saying that, as many birdies it can throw up it can throw in bogies as well. It's a tricky little golf course.

"I don't know whether you ever get used to it. You still get the wow factor. It's pretty cool. We play at altitude but this is the highest. It's tricky trying to gauge (length).

"If it gets hot out here the ball travels an extra 15 per cent at times."

Comments