Shark Bytes

Shark Bytes Shark Bytes is a notes package featuring news of interest to Shark.com readers. Our intention is to keep you informed with the latest and most up to date events related to Greg Norman and Great White Shark Enterprises. If you have a local, regional, national or international item you think other readers would be interested in, please let us know. Please include the publication, author and date with each submission.

• Date: August 20, 2010Greg Noran To Appear On Golf Central

  Tune in to Golf Central on the Golf Channel this Sunday, August 22nd, at 6 PM/ET for the premier of Tim Rosaforte's exclusive interview with Greg, taped Thursday in N. Myrtle Beach.

• Date: August 18, 2010Shark In Myrtle Beach To Launch Golf Academy

  NORTH MYRTLE BEACH -- World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman is scheduled to be at Barefoot Resort and Golf from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday to formally introduce the Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy that is planned at the four-course facility's driving range.

  The planned 10,000 square-foot Barefoot academy is expected to be the international headquarters for all future Greg Norman Champion Golf Academies.

  Norman, who designed a course at Barefoot Resort, is also scheduled to host a media reception at Greg Norman's Australian Grille in Barefoot Landing following his golf course appearance.

• Date: July 7, 2010Embrace The New On A Visit To The Old Country

  Last summer Stewart Cink "Tweeted" this message to his million followers: "Played Doonbeg yesterday with the kids. Their first links. Course blew away my expectations. Only eight years old and looks ancient." A week later he won the British Open. Doonbeg can have that effect on you.

  Greg Norman sculpted Doonbeg from massive sand-hills at the ocean's edge, just 30 minutes south of Lahinch. It won much early praise when it opened in 2002, and plenty of heckles for its inordinate difficulty. The course has since been softened, so criticism these days focuses on the fiercely sloping greens, the goofy bunker in the 12th green and the handful of plain "pasture" holes that were compromised due to environmental restrictions. However, overlook these flaws and you've got the raw stuff of greatness. There are plenty of holes here that serve up breathtaking scenery and demand heroic shotmaking in equal measure, none more than the par-3 14th, a tiny terror of 111 yards with a green cut into the side of a dune. Doonbeg is also among the rare links courses that offer great accommodations on-site. It's worth coming here for the Lodge alone. It's also a great base for Lahinch and Ballybunion. Better yet, bring the family -- and tweet to your heart's content.

• Date: July 1, 2010Shark To Appear On Big Break Sandals Resorts Monday

  Tune into the Golf Channel Monday, July 5th, at 9 PM/ET as Greg Norman arrives at Great Exuma for a surprise guest appearance on Big Break Sandals Resorts.

• Date: June 4, 2010Shark Surfaces To Support A Good Cause

  Greg Norman was at the Lakes Golf Club, Mascot, on Friday with champion Indigenous golfer, Michael Bell, to show his support for the GenerationOne movement.

  "I'm a firm believer that active participation in sports helps build confidence and promote the values of empowerment and goodwill," Norman said.

  GenerationOne is a movement to end Indigenous disadvantage by targeting sustainable employment, education and training. The GenerationOne roadshow has been travelling the country for the past three months.

• Date: May 21, 2010Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story To Premiere June 14

  ORLANDO, Fla. - More than a golf story, Caddy for Life: The Bruce Edwards Story is a tale of life, love and loss. The Golf Channel documentary, based on the New York Times best-selling book by John Feinstein, premieres June 14 at 9 p.m. ET and recounts an amazing and emotional remembrance of the extraordinary relationship between one of history's greatest golfers, Tom Watson, and his longtime friend and caddy, Bruce Edwards.

  Interviewed for the documentary is a who's who in golf, as well others who touched Edwards' life the most. Included are: Watson, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Jim "Bones" Mackay (Phil Mickelson's caddy), Edwards' wife Marsha, family members, fellow caddies, friends and medical professionals. Each share fond memories of Bruce Edwards, his valor, kindness, and the vast legacy he has left to caddies, golfers and others beyond the world of golf.

• Date: May 19, 2010Shark To Tour The Dunes, Port Hughes Next Month

  Golf legend Greg Norman will visit the Copper Coast of Australia on June 1 to inspect construction of the championship-style golf course he has designed for The Dunes, Port Hughes.

  Norman will make a flying visit to the beachside town to see the course's first nine holes, which are currently being shaped ahead of a scheduled opening next autumn.

  The 18-hole, links-style course will be Norman's first in the state and form part of The Dunes Port Hughes residential and resort development, which will feature more than 2000 residential dwellings and world-class leisure facilities.

  The Dunes chief executive officer, Andrew Martin, expects Norman's visit will generate plenty of local interest.

  "We're really looking forward to welcoming Greg and showing him the substantial progress that has occurred on-site over the past 12 months," he said.

  "It really is all systems go at the moment as we're pushing to have tees, fairways and greens in place by the end of the year so we can officially open the first nine holes."

• Date: May 18, 2010Doonbeg To Host Father/Daughter, Couples Challenge

  The Greg Norman-designed Doonbeg Golf Club will host the third Father & Daughter Golf Tournament July 25-28, while Doonbeg and the K Club, which hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup, will be the sites for the new Celtic Couples Challenge leading up to this year's Ryder Cup. For more info or to sign up for the Celtic Couples Challenge, click here. For info on the Father & Daughter Tournament, click here.

• Date: April 16, 2010Work On Ponderosa Golf Course Set To Begin

  Work on a new Greg Norman designed golf course above Peachland will start next month. Ponderosa Golf and Country Club manager Scott Dawson says the re-design of the 18 hole golf course will begin May 1st. The project is expected to be completed by 2011.

• Date: April 14, 2010GCSAA Affiliate Chapters Donate To The Institute

  Three chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) - the Alabama GCSA, the GCSA of New Jersey and the Kansas State University student chapter - recently made donations to GCSAA's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf.

  The Alabama GCSA made its annual donation as part of its Golden Tee Club recognition for donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually to The Institute. Alabama GCSA is also recognized at the Executive Club level by The Institute for donors who have contributed $25,000-$49,999 since 1987.

  The GCSANJ Foundation held its annual Robert Trent Jones Invitational at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, N.J., Oct. 12, 2009. The event brings together superintendents and representatives from golf courses along the East Coast to raise funds for scholarships, turf research programs and education initiatives. It also serves to recognize the critical role played by superintendents in developing the vision of the golf course architect and ensuring the integrity of that vision, as famed architect Robert Trent Jones worked with Institute leaders to establish the fund in 1987. Metedeconk is recognized at the Star Club level by The Institute for donors who have contributed $500,000-$999,999 to The Institute since 1987. The 2010 RTJ Invitational is scheduled for Oct. 19.

  Kansas State's student chapter raised money by cleaning the school's athletic facilities after home games and felt strongly about making a statement amongst their classmates that golf can be a friend of the environment.

  "We greatly appreciate these fundraising efforts and generosity of these GCSAA affiliated chapters," said World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, Institute trustee and chairman of its Advisory Council. "This support and that of all GCSAA chapters is vital as we focus on continual improvement in regards to stewardship of golf courses."

• Date: April 14, 2010Xiamen Kaikou Golf Club To Host Amateur Golf Tournament

  The St. Andrews Cup Amateur Golf Tournament (Fujian Stop) will be held Wednesday April 21, 2010 at The Greg Norman-designed Xiamen Kai kou Golf Club.

  Aimed at promoting Scottish golf culture, and golf cultural exchanges between the Chinese and British, the St Andrews Cup Amateur Golf Tournament was launched by Scottish Elmwood College and Scottish Development International, and supported by the British Royal & Ancient Golf Club and St Andrews Old Course.

  Many excellent golfers from home and abroad will gather in the Xiamen Kaikou Golf Club to compete for the championship. To enrich the competition, the organizing committee will add some Scottish cultural elements at the tournament, like bagpipes, Scottish Plaid Skirts and traditional Scottish golf skill.

  Xiamen Kai kou Golf Club is the largest golf course in Fujian. It features 36 championship holes by former world golf champion Greg Norman and his design team.

• Date: March 16, 2010Golf and Tourism Forum kicks off in Hainan, China

  The Golf and Tourism Forum, part of the 2010 Bo'ao International Tourism Forum, kicked off Tuesday morning in Haikou, Hainan Province.

  The forum, which gathered more than 500 industry players and experts, will discuss Hainan's position in its golf tourism development, the development of golf in the course of urbanization, and the development and prospects of the global golf industry.

  Key speakers include Greg Norman, CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises, and Peter Walton, CEO of Golf Tour Operators.

  Twelve guests, including former vice chairman of the Chinese Olympic Committee, He Huixian, director of the Asia-Pacific department of the World Tourism Organization, Xu Jing, and film director Feng Xiaogang, will hold discussions on two topics, Golf and Tourism Industry and Golf Tourism and Lifestyle.

• Date: February 22, 2010Ingersoll Rand Renews Support Of Environmental Institute For Golf

  Ingersoll Rand has renewed its support of The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), with Ingersoll Rand Chairman Herbert L. Henkel appointing Gary Michel, president of Ingersoll Rand company Club Car, to serve on The Institute's Advisory Council.

  The Advisory Council, headed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, provides guidance to The Institute's board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members are selected to enhance The Institute's ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute.

  "Ingersoll Rand is a longtime supporter of The Institute and its renewed commitment is appreciated," Norman said. "We look forward to having Gary on the Advisory Council and we thank Herb for his service."

• Date: January 22, 2010Sandals Emerald Bay Officially Open

  The Bahamas' hotel room inventory officially increased by 183 rooms on January 22, 2010 with the opening of Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma. The resort features five restaurants, a full-service marina, and an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, regarded among the best in the Caribbean.

• Date: January 22, 2010AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio Officially Open For Play

  The luxurious JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa has officially opened its doors. The 1002-room resort features 36 holes of championship golf designed by Greg Norman and Pete Dye, and offers discriminating travelers an unrivaled experience of natural elegance.

  Measuring 7,435 yards and playing to a par of 72, the Norman-designed AT&T Oaks Course at TPC San Antonio officially opened on January 22nd and will host the PGA TOUR's Valero Texas Open on May 13 - 16, 2010.

• Date: January 19, 2010Brookwater Named Queensland's Best Again

  The Greg Norman-designed Brookwater Golf Club has again confirmed its position as Queensland's premier golf course, ranking number one in the State following the release of Golf Australia magazine's best 50 courses.

  For the fifth time running, the Greg Norman-designed course has ranked Queensland's best in the biannual rankings, securing a place in the top 30 courses in Australia.

  Brookwater Golf Club general manager Peter Hourigan says the club's continued success in the rankings has set a standard he is keen to uphold.

  "To be named the top Queensland course for the fifth time in a row is a huge honour, and we are determined to maintain this ranking, setting our standards high each year," Hourigan says.

  "Brookwater has really secured a strong reputation as a top public access course over the years and huge credit must go to the work our team puts in to ensure the course remains one of Australia's finest," he says.

  "We are determined to retain our ranking in the years to come, maintaining a high standard both on the course and in the facilities and functions on offer at the club house."

• Date: December 23, 2009Greg Norman Collection Named A Top Seller By PGA Magazine

  The Greg Norman Collection was named as a top seller in public, private, and resort categories by PGA Magazine in their December issue. One PGA Professional said, "We did very well with the Greg Norman Collection for men this year." Click here to read the article and take note of the Greg Norman Collection presence.

• Date: December 17, 2009Stone Canyon Recognized Among "Top New Courses You Can Play"

  The Greg Norman-designed Stone Canyon Golf Club has been recognized by GOLF Magazine as a runner-up in its "Top New Courses You Can Play" edition. The awards were announced in the annual review of the best new courses of the year published in the January 2010 issue.

• Date: December 15, 2009Temenos To Open Saturday, Dec. 19th

  Temenos Golf Club, Anguilla's first and only golf course will open for play on Saturday, December 19th.

  The $50 million, 7,063-yard championship course was designed by Greg Norman. The Temenos Golf Course features dramatic elevation changes, water features on 13 holes and fabulous views of St. Maarten and the Caribbean Sea.

  Robb Report calls the first hole, "The Caribbean's answer to the 18th at Pebble Beach." The 290-yard starting hole includes a fairway that descends over 40-feet to a narrow, two-tiered green at the edge of a saltwater lagoon.

  The greens fee for a round of 18 holes during peak times will be $225 per person. The course will offer discounted rates during off tee times.

  For additional information, contact the Temenos Golf Pro Shop at 264.498.5602 or Cap Juluca at www.capjuluca.com/golf.php.

• Date: Decemeber 2, 2009GNE Shiraz-Cabernet Recommended For Your Holiday Table

  The 2007 Greg Norman Estates Shiraz-Cabernet Limestone Coast has been recognized by the Greensboro (N.C.) News & Record among their list of recommended holiday wines.

  Wine columnist Ed Williams writes of the Shiraz-Cabernet: "Spicy blackberry, plum, dark cherry and chocolate in this Australian red blend. The Greg Norman portfolio of wines in this premium-priced tier are some of the world's best bargains."

• Date: November 17, 2009Earth Ready For Grand Finale

  DUBAI - The Greg Norman-designed Earth golf course, site of this week's Dubai World Championship, is in ideal condition for the season's grand finale, as organisers demonstrated yesterday at a media preview.

  The event, which will feature top-ranked players such as Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and Ernie Els, offers US $7.5million in prize money and runs from Thursday until Sunday. It is the final leg of the inaugural Race to Dubai, a competition spread across 51 tournaments in 26 destinations around the globe.

  The championship course at Jumeirah Golf Estates has been in the making since April 2008. Greg Norman, the Australian who was once the world's No 1 golfer for a record 331 weeks, is particularly proud of the closing stretch of four holes, which he has labelled his "Golden Mile".

  The 17th hole, which highlights that difficult run, is called the Island Hole and is surrounded by water. It is similar to a challenging part of the Sawgrass course in Ponte Vedre, Florida. The clubhouse is still temporary but the locker room is set to welcome the 58 competing professionals.

• Date: November 13, 2009Greg Norman To Design Dubrovnik Golf Course

  "Razvoj golf" company presented to the Dubrovnik city and county governments its project for a sports and recreation center today.

  It features a golf course designed by Greg Norman and tourist resort on top of Srdj hill overlooking Dubrovnik. Norman is recognized as a premier designer of signature golf courses. He is also one of the investors in the project on Srdj hill.

  First established in 1987, Greg Norman Golf Course Design has opened 66 courses worldwide and has an additional 52 projects in various stages of development.

• Date: November 5, 2009JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa Taking Reservations

  On January 22, 2010, the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa will welcome its first guests. As a special incentive, the resort is offering a Special Introductory Rate starting at $149 a night or $288 including breakfast and golf at the TPC San Antonio.

  Golfers can be the first players to test their skills on the newest PGA TOUR Tournament Players Club (TPC) championship golf courses with 36 challenging holes and stunning views. Two of golf's most legendary names designed the courses - Pete Dye for the AT&T Canyons Course and Greg Norman for the AT&T Oaks Course. The Norman-designed course will begin hosting the Valero Texas Open in May 2010. The club is private and accessible to members and guests of the Resort.

  Less than 20 minutes from San Antonio International Airport and surrounded by the Texas Hill Country, the resort's exceptional amenities make it the ideal winter destination. For more information or to make a reservation please phone 1-866-882-4420 or visit http://www.jwsanantonio.com.

• Date: October 12, 2009TaylorMade Driver Winner Announced

  Congratulations to Tim Lukin of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, winner of Shark.com's TaylorMade R9 driver giveaway. Tim's name was randomly selected out of over 4,000 entries and will be receiving a brand new R9 driver from TaylorMade. Congratulations Tim!

• Date: October 2, 2009Greg Norman Estates Launches E-Commerce Store

  Greg Norman Estates is pleased to announce the launch of its new online direct-to-consumer storefront. Purchasing your favorite Greg Norman wines is now more simple and convenient than ever! Simply log onto to GregNormanEstatesWine.com, browse your favorite varietals and have them shipped directly to you. Stay tuned for information about the new Shark's Club, a free service providing exclusive discounts for charter members and fans of Greg Norman.

• Date: October 2, 2009Shark Shootout Tickets On Sale Now!

  Tickets for Southwest Florida's only PGA TOUR sanctioned event are on sale now! Orders can be placed four ways - calling 888-66-SHARK, visiting Alf's Golf Shop in Naples or Lumpy's in Fort Myers or online at www.thesharkshootout.com. On October 5th, tournament host Greg Norman announced 20 competitors scheduled to compete in the 24-person, 12-team field, including nine players currently ranked among the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

• September 10, 2009Three Norman Designs Ranked Among Best Resorts

  Three Greg Norman designs have been recognized among the 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America by Golf Digest. The Experience at Koele, located at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai (No. 30), Tiburón at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples (No. 32), and The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes (No. 54) will all be honored in the October 2009 edition of the magazine.

• September 8, 2009Norman, Couples Set To Announce Picks

  With the 10 automatic spots for the American and International teams already confirmed, Captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples will each announce their two captains' picks for The Presidents Cup today. The biennial event will be held October 6-11 at Harding Park Golf Course, a municipal facility in San Francisco. Stay tuned to Shark.com for live coverage of today's teleconference beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

• September 3, 2009Norman Set For Walmart First Tee Open

  Greg Norman will be paired with First Tee of Miami junior golfer Melissa Edmonson when the opening round of the Walmart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach gets underway Friday. The two will tee off at 8:47 AM (11:47 AM EDT) on Del Monte No. 10 tee. A 54-hole official Champions Tour event, the Walmart First Tee Open features 78 professionals and 78 junior golfers ages 13-18. In addition to the Champions Tour players and juniors, 156 amateurs complete the field.

• August 24, 2009New Owner For Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma

  Sandals Resorts International has announced the purchase of the Four Seasons Resort Great Exuma at Emerald Bay. The property is the fourteenth Sandals Resort in the Caribbean, and its third in the Bahamas.

  Sandals Resorts founder and chairman, Gordon "Butch" Stewart has declared the 500-acre property, which features a championship Greg Norman golf course and world-class marina, is set to become a Sandals Resort and will be called Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas. Following certain enhancements customary to the Sandals Resorts brand, including an expansive new pool complex and additional dining establishments, the resort will open January 22, 2010.

• August 21, 2009Norman Withdraws from JELD-WEN Tradition

  Greg Norman was forced to withdraw from the JELD-WEN Tradition Thursday morning after experiencing back spasms shortly before his 9:26 tee time. The 54-year old World Golf Hall of Famer sought treatment and tried to warm up but was unable to go. Norman, who will serve as International Captain for the Presidents Cup in October, is currently scheduled to play the Australian Open and Shark Shootout later this year.

• August 19, 2009Norman Paired With Jacobsen, Stadler

  Greg Norman has been paired with Peter Jacobsen and Craig Stadler in the opening rounds of the JELD-WEN Tradition from the Crosswater Club at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. Norman, playing in his sixth senior event of the year, is coming off of consecutive top-10 finishes at the Senior Open Championship and U.S. Senior Open Championship.

  The trio will tee off at 9:26 AM (12:26 PM EDT) Thursday and 11:27 AM (2:27 PM EDT) Friday.

• August 17, 2009Norman, Couples To Discuss Qualifiers Tuesday

  International Captain Greg Norman and U.S. Captain Fred Couples will participate in a teleconference with national and international media Tuesday morning, August 18 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss their respective automatic qualifiers for The Presidents Cup 2009, October 5-11 at Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco, Calif.

  Both Captains Couples and Norman will complete their respective teams Sept. 8 when they each announce their two Captain's selections.

• August 10, 2009GOLF PARa Todos To Return Sunday, August 16th

  After a wildly successful July edition when more than 600 people attended, Golf PARa Todos is back and ready to go for August. Join the Mayakoba Golf Classic and fellow golf enthusiasts and beginners on Sunday, August 16, for the latest installment of Golf PARa Todos here at El Camaleón Golf Club, home of México's Only PGA TOUR Event.

  Golf PARa Todos aims to create a fun-filled, diverse and educational program that teaches about the game of golf and its ideals. The program encourages active participation in the game as a participant and as a fan, and facilitates the integration of golf into the lives of all those within the community.

  This year's program features many new and exciting additions and upgrades, as well as all the fantastic elements you've already come to know and love. The Amigos of Golf PARa Todos will again be in attendance to help you as you begin to learn the game of golf.

  Don't miss out on this popular community program! Join us on Sunday, August 16, at 2 pm!

  The Mayakoba Golf Classic and Golf PARa Todos are both Greg Norman Production Company events.

• August 6, 2009Oldfield To Host Georgia-South Carolina Girls' Junior Challenge Match

  The Georgia-South Carolina Girls' Junior Challenge Match takes place Saturday and Sunday, August 8-9. The two-day event consists of four singles matches per day. Teams are composed of the top four finishers from each state's 2009 Girls' Championship, provided they are at least 13 years old.

  Oldfield Golf Club is situated on the banks of the Okatie River. It features an 18-hole Greg Norman design that opened in 2002.

• July 21, 2009Norman Paired With Watson, Lyle

  Greg Norman has been paired with fellow major championship winners Tom Watson and Sandy Lyle in the opening rounds of the Senior Open Championship from Sunningdale. Watson, who narrowly missed out on a sixth Claret Jug at Turnberry, will be seeking his fourth Senior Open title. Norman, who triumphed at Sunningdale in the 1986 European Open, will be keen on claiming his first Senior major.

  The trio will tee off at 9:20 a.m. (4:20 a.m. EDT) Thursday and 1:50 p.m. (8:50 a.m. EDT) Friday.

• July 13, 2009Norman Paired With Perry, Wilson In Open Draw

  Two-time Open Champion Greg Norman has been paired with American Kenny Perry and Britain's Oliver Wilson in the opening rounds of the 138th Open Championship from Turnberry. The trio will tee off at 7:36 a.m. Local Time (2:36 a.m. EDT) Thursday and 12:47 p.m. Local Time (7:47 a.m. EDT) Friday.

• July 13, 2009Norman, Watson Paired For Monday Practice Round

  At 12:30 p.m. Monday, two men who can legitimately claim to have tamed the Ailsa Course will tee-off together in the pick of Monday's Open action. It's been 32 years since Tom Watson triumphed at Turnberry's first Open Championship in one of the greatest sporting contests in history. Nine years later, Greg Norman would open his Major Championship account in an Open remembered for the treacherous conditions in which the Australian posted a record-equaling 63; a round often cited as the best in the history of golf's oldest Major.

• July 1, 2009NSW Open At Vintage Returning To PGA Tour of Australasia

  The 2009 NSW Open continues its love affair with The Vintage as it steps up to the PGA Tour of Australasia this November. The tournament has taken further strides in its rejuvenation by now being positioned immediately before the Australian Open on the newly charged PGA Tour of Australasia. This is a giant leap forward for the NSW Open and is a key initiative promoting opportunities for the leading players to secure a birth on the exciting new ONEASIA Super Series.

  NSW Golf Association's CEO and NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills, said "We are working closely with the PGA to attract some of the sport's big names."

  "Spectators this year will not be disappointed with the quality of the field. Having the NSW Open back to back with the Australian Open is a real coup for Hunter sport and tourism".

  "Our continuing partnership with the Greg Norman designed Vintage Golf Course provides the perfect backdrop and a great test for our best players who will vie for our flagship event and the national title, in just two weeks of championship golf," said Mills.

  "The NSW Open continues to grow in stature on our major circuit is a joint venture between the NSW Golf Association, the PGA of Australia and The Vintage with important backing from Events NSW."

  A unique feature of the NSW Open is the Team Challenge Pro-Am format, which allows amateurs the tremendous opportunity to play alongside the leading professionals throughout the last 36 holes of the Championship itself.

  The NSW Open, a tournament with 78 years of tradition, will be held at The Vintage Golf Club at Pokolbin from 26th - 29th November, 2009.

• June 3, 2009Norman Consulted By R&A On Turnberry Setup

  Greg Norman believes top players should be involved more in the set-up of major championship courses - just as he has been for next month's Open Championship at Turnberry.

  "It just amazes me how it hasn't happened more often," said Norman, whose third-place finish at Birkdale last summer thrust the 54-year-old back into the limelight.

  "It's interesting to me how some of the great architects of the world - like Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, myself to some degree, Nick Faldo - aren't asked to do or give an opinion on what should be done on a major championship golf course."

  The Australian visited Turnberry - scene of his first major win in 1986 - over the winter following an approach from Royal and Ancient Club chief executive Peter Dawson.

  "I thought it was just fantastic for him to do that because it gives him wonderful insight," Norman added.

  "I think everybody's going to be pleased with it.

  "From a player standpoint Turnberry has it all because you stay in the hotel, you walk down the hill, you get on the driving range, you never put a key in the ignition of your car.

  "That makes it much more of a comfort zone for a player to go play. My memories are very good around there."

• June 1, 2009Players Should Expect Changes At Turnberry

  At the 1986 Open Championship at Turnberry, Greg Norman stormed to a five shot victory from Englishman Gordon J Brand. Helped by a stunning 63 in the 2nd round, the perfomance equalled the lowest ever score in the history of the Open.

  In 2009, the Open will return to the spectacular cliff top links, the fourth time it has been held at the spectacular Ailsa course. Ranked as Britain's No. 1 golf course by two leading golfing publications, this par-70 course has been closed since November for adjustments and modernization. When the players tee up starting July 18th, the course will be 247 yards longer and will have 23 new bunkers than when the Open was last played at Turnberry in 1994.

  Here are some of the more notable changes to the course:

  • The 10th hole now has a new tee jutting out next to the beach which brings a new challenge and it is sure to be the most photographed hole on the course.
     
  • The 16th has 45 yards added to it and it is now a left to right dog leg and with the burn in front of the green it is likely to have a major say in the outcome.
     
  • The 17th hole has had 61 yards added to it and it will now be a tougher hole to birdie than in previous Opens.

  The course still only has 65 well placed bunkers compared to over 120+ on the other Open Championship venues. The course will suit a player that can keep the ball in play off the tee and is an accurate iron player and will not necessarily assist the long-hitters.

• May 6, 2009Norman Course At Red Sky To Open May 15

  VAIL VALLEY, Colorado -- Red Sky Golf Club's two 18-hole courses in Colorado's Vail Valley will open over the next 10 days in Wolcott.

  On Friday, Red Sky's Tom Fazio-designed course will open to members. It will open to guests on May 15. The Greg Norman-designed course opens to members and guests on May 15.

  "With the abundant snow pack from this winter and the experience of our new course superintendent, Mike Miner, we anticipate lush fairways and perfect greens all season long," says Jeff Hanson, Director of Golf for Red Sky Golf Club.

  Early season rates of $195 per round are effective from opening through June 4 and locals may make tee times in the early season by calling the Red Sky pro shop.

  Red Sky Golf Club is open for play for members and members' guests as well as guests at he Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch; Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa; The Lodge at Vail; The Arrabelle at Vail Square; Vail Marriott Mountain Resort & Spa; The Pines Lodge; Beaver Creek Lodge; The Charter and the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail.

  Golfweek magazine recently named the Fazio Course the #1 course in Colorado and #32 overall in its Best Resort Golf Courses for 2009. The Norman Course was ranked the #2 course in Colorado and #40 overall in Golfweek's resort course ratings. Both courses also ranked amongst Golf Digest magazine's best courses in Colorado.

  Tee times can be made one month in advance through hotel concierges or reservationists. For additional information, please call the Guest Clubhouse golf shop at 970-754-8425.

• May 5, 2009Lansdowne Resort Announces Summer Season Line Up

  Lansdowne Resort kicked off the Summer Vacation Season with the announcement of the lineup of performers for their free annual summer concert series. The 2009 concert series, the "Sounds of Summer" will offer a variety of music genres this year including jazz, country, salsa, oldies, Zydeco and contemporary music. The Sounds of Summer free outdoor concert series begins on Friday June 5 and runs through September 4th, the Friday night of Labor Day weekend.

  Along with the concert series package the Resort offers a host of family friendly, summer vacation getaway packages including the "Shark Bite" package. The two night package includes accommodations, a generous daily breakfast buffet for the family, a round on the Greg Norman "Shark Bite" Executive golf course and surprise "shark" themed treats.

  To learn about all of Lansdowne Resort's amenities or learn how to make your summer vacation reservations call (877) 509-8400 or visit www.lansdowneresort.com.

• April 28, 2009Sodic To Exhibit Allegria At Next Move 2009

  Sodic, one of Egypt's leading real estate developers is participating in Egypt's second annual Next Move real estate exhibition to be held from April 28th - May 1st at the Cairo International Conference Centre (CICC).

  Award-winning residential compound Allegria is one of the developments Sodic is showcasing this year. Located in west Cairo, Allegria boasts Egypt's only Greg Norman signature golf course and consists of over 1,200 villas and townhouses, most of which have been sold in record time and with no advertising at all. Designed by a number of famed local and international architects, Allegria received an award of merit from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ALSA) for its master plan which is designed by EDAW, in addition to two CNBC Arabian Property Awards for Best Development and Best Golf Development in Egypt.

• April 22, 2009The Course at Wente Vineyards Named Top Vineyard Course

  1. The Course at Wente Vineyards, Livermore, California:

  Designed by Greg Norman, this championship golf course winds through Wente Vineyards, site of California's oldest continuously operated family-owned vineyards and winery. Finish with a cool glass of Wente chardonnay on the patio of the Clubhouse Grill, overlooking both vines and the 18th hole.

  For more information, please visit The Course at Wente Vineyards page on GNGCD.com.

• April 8, 2009Shark Aces Sixth Hole At Par 3 Contest

  On the eve of the opening round, Greg Norman put his signature on his 23rd Masters appearance. At Wednesday's Par 3 Contest, the 54-year old World Golf Hall of Famer electrified a huge gallery with a hole-in-one on the 140-yard sixth hole. The Shark's dramatic ace produced a huge roar from the crowd. Norman finished at 2-under par 25 (T7), but added another indelible moment to his growing host of Masters memories.

• April 7, 2009Norman Paired With Langer, Westwood

  Greg Norman will be paired with Germany's Bernhard Langer and Englishman Lee Westwood when the 73rd Masters Tournament gets underway Thursday morning. The trio will tee off at 9:50 am EDT in the first round and 1:08 pm EDT on Friday.

• April 6, 2009Nantz Foretold Shark's Return To Augusta

  In April, 2005, three years after Greg Norman last appeared at the Masters, heralded sports anchor Jim Nantz believed he would see the Shark circling at Augusta again.

  "If Greg (who had back surgery two weeks prior) could ever get his body back in shape, if he got back here again, I'd give him a heck of a chance," said Nantz in 2005. "He can't just have an invitation drop out of the sky (but) in my heart I think he'll play here again."

  To read the full story from April 7, 2005, see: Nantz: Norman Can Still Win Masters.

• April 6, 2009Did You Know?

  Nick Price and Greg Norman share the course record of 63 at Augusta National, with their rounds coming in 1986 and 1996 respectively.

• March 23, 2009Norman Supports Els In Campaign For Autism Awareness

  Greg Norman was among an elite group of professional and amateur golfers who gathered at PGA National on Monday to support Ernie Els' foundation for autism awareness. Els, along with legends Norman, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Raymond Floyd, tour players Luke Donald, Stuart Appleby, and many more, helped raise over $725,000 at the sold out Els for Autism Pro-Am.

  The Els for Autism Pro Am is featured on THE GOLF CHANNEL'S Inside The PGA TOUR, airing at the following times this week:

  Tuesday 7:30-8:00pm EDT
  Wednesday 2:30-3:00am EDT
  Wednesday 8:30-9:00am EDT
  Wednesday 2:00-2:30pm EDT
  Wednesday 5:30-6:00pm EDT
  Thursday 5:30-6:00am EDT

  For more information about Els' foundation for autism, please visit www.ernieels.com.

• March 18, 2009Shark Scouts Augusta

  Greg Norman came to Augusta on Wednesday and took his first spring spin around Augusta National Golf Club since his last Masters Tournament appearance in 2002.

  Norman qualified to play his first Masters in seven years, his 23rd overall. But other than a casual winter round a few years ago when the ground was frozen and the wind was howling, he has never played on the current course that has been significantly stretched and tightened since 2003.

  The weather was perfect for Norman on Wednesday, but the course was hardly in tournament conditions after a soggy weekend.

  "They had not had a chance to mow the fairways down. So the ball wasn't going anywhere, which is pretty frustrating," he said. "So I probably saw it in the longest condition you could ever play Augusta National in."

• March 1, 2009Wilson Hangs On To Win Mayakoba Golf Classic

  Mark Wilson won the third Mayakoba Golf Classic, carding a 2-under par 68 in Sunday's final round. The 34 year-old Wisconsinite spent the entire week of Mexico's Only PGA TOUR Event at or near the top of leaderboard, finishing at 267, two strokes better than J.J. Henry. Hosted at the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón Golf Club, the Mayakoba Golf Classic is a Greg Norman Production Company Event.

  Click here for complete coverage of the 2009 Mayakoba Golf Classic.

  Click here for more about the Greg Norman Production Company.

• February 11, 2009Norman To Raise Money For Victoria Fire Victims

  Golfing great Greg Norman will tee off with a host of sporting big shots in a celebrity tournament next week to support Victoria's bushfire victims.

  Norman will be joined by the likes of cricketer Justin Langer and swimmer Todd Pearson, at The Vines Resort in Queensland on Tuesday to help raise money for the bushfire appeal.

  Money raised on the day will be added to a contribution to be made by the Johnnie Walker Classic which will be held at The Vines from February 19.

  Players and officials at this week's Women's Australian Open at Metropolitan in Melbourne have also pledged their support, while further help will come from AFL fans and players at the NAB Cup game on the Gold Coast and from New Zealand rugby fans at the season-opening round of Super 14 matches across the Tasman.

  The ongoing support from the various sporting codes came as the Red Cross said funds raised for the bushfire victims had topped $44 million.

• January 14, 2009Ogilvy Tips Norman For Masters Surprise

  Greg Norman is 53 and hasn't played a US Masters for seven years, but Australia's top player Geoff Ogilvy expects the Shark will "put on a good show" when he returns to Augusta in April.

  Norman's stunning effort to lead last year's British Open after 54 holes before finishing tied third earned him a 23rd invitation to the Masters. The most dramatic moments of Norman's career have been played out at Augusta National, the most pristine stage in world golf.

  "Most people gave Greg no chance before Birkdale (British Open) last year, but he showed the world his game has not gone away," said Ogilvy.

  "If he practises and plays a fair bit of golf before April, he'll put on a good show at Augusta. He knows the course so well, and has been in contention so many times that the memories will come flooding back. I think it will add something to the Masters."

  Norman's preparation for the Masters started last month with regular practice, golf specific gym workouts and a tournament appearance. He will be a major drawcard at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth next month.

  "If you're going to play the Masters, then you've got to be serious about your preparation," Norman said. "My practice routine started on December 1 and that schedule will give me time to get myself ready.

• January 8, 2009Cornerstone No. 25 on Travel + Leisure's Top Golf Communties

  From Travel + Leisure Golf (January - February 2009)
  America's Top 100 Golf Communities: No. 25 Cornerstone

  "Golf meets West in this six-thousand-acre expanse of Rocky Mountain beauty and sports activity. The Cornerstone resident is in great need of footwear: golf spikes, hiking boots, stream waders, tennis shoes, ski boots, riding boots and (one hopes) loafers. Dallas-based Hunt Realty Investments is the developer-- sister company of Hunt Oil. Among the housing options: Golf Foursome Cabins, made up of four master suites, each with a private bathroom, walk-in closet (for those shoes and boots), steam shower and private patio. Golf director Mark Wood brings his superior blend of physical-mental golf training to a theme-park-style practice complex he designed himself."

  To read more about Cornerstone, please visit gngcd.com.

• January 8, 2009Cornerstone Among LINKS Magazine's Best Golf Courses Of 2008

  From LINKS Magazine
  Best New Private Courses of 2008: Cornerstone Colorado

  "As remote locations are no longer an impediment for building courses, the West is well represented in this year's list. One of the best examples is Greg Norman's Cornerstone, which stretches a jaw-dropping 7,945 yards. But the distance doesn't seem so extreme considering the course sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet."

  To read more about Cornerstone, please visit gngcd.com.

• January 5, 2009Greg Norman Collection Enters Agreement With Vantage Apparel

  NEW YORK - President and CEO Michael Setola announces that Greg Norman Collection has entered into a licensing agreement with Vantage Apparel to sell and distribute GNC apparel into the corporate sales channel. The new agreement is effective immediately.

  Product design, sourcing, quality control and related matters will continue to be overseen by Greg Norman Collection. Additionally, the existing sales force will remain intact.

  "This partnership will allow us to better service and sell this channel of business with our existing sales force and raise the standard of performance our customers expect" said Michael Setola. "Vantage is an industry leader in the corporate marketplace and I look forward to growing our business together."

  Greg Norman Collection originally launched its corporate division in 2004 and has experienced double-digit growth every year since its inception.

  Ira Neaman, CEO Vantage, states "This partnership with Greg Norman Collection is a timely and important opportunity for Vantage to bring our experience in the corporate arena to the fastest growing brand in the corporate market. Utilizing GNC's design and product development skills, combined with the existing sales team and our operations and world-class customer service teams is a dynamic combination for growth."

• December 1, 2008Norman Joins Field For Wendy's Skins Game

  Defending Champions Fuzzy Zoeller and Peter Jacobsen will face the toughest field to date as the Wendy's Skins Game descends upon Maui's Royal Kaanapali Golf Course January 17-18, 2009.

  Zoeller and Jacobsen will try to defend their title against legends Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Jay Haas, Greg Norman and Bernhard Langer.

  Norman and Langer will be making their debuts in the event, which will be televised on ESPN. A $770,000 purse will be up for grabs in the alternate shot team event.