Foreword Written by Lawrence Levy Dear friends Lawrence Levy and Jamie Hutton. Covering the golf tour around the world as a photographer has given me the opportunity of meeting many people and visiting many places. It has also made me feel the tremendous varying degrees of emotions that this game produces. What I experienced on Hilton Head Island at the 1988 Heritage was something that was both unique and very special. When Greg and I first met Jamie at breakfast that Friday morning, we both felt that we wanted to do as much as we could to make his dream come true. In Jamie I saw something of myself when I was that age. A love of the game and those that play it at the highest level and the thrills of following your man. Greg showed the world something that I have known for sometime. He is the most gifted of golfers and the most genuine and generous of people. He is a class act. He felt that his victory was inspired by Jamie and his gift of the trophy was something that touched all of us that watched the closing ceremony. I feel very honored and priviledged to have been a part of this story and to have spent the time with Jamie. The experience has taught me a lot about courage, determination and winning, but most of all it made me realize that dreams can come true. - Lawrence Levy, 1989 Note: At the behest of our friend Lawrence Levy, all profits from A Victory For Jamie - The Story of Greg Norman and Jamie Hutton are donated to Ronald McDonald Children's Charities in the name of Jamie Hutton.

A Victory For Jamie - The Story of Greg Norman and Jamie Hutton

Part One »

Introduction

Greg Norman and his young friend, leukemia victim Jamie Hutton, inspired each other and, in turn, they inspired the whole country, and beyond.

It was like Babe Ruth pointing to the fences then clobbering a home run, except there's no doubt this was a true story; more like cancer-stricken Brian Piccolo encouraging teammate Gayle Sayers, but this had not to wait for a television movie.

It's been 20 years since the events of 1988 Heritage Classic touched one life, and millions of hearts.

This is the authorized account of that magical spring weekend at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, during the 1988 MCI Heritage Golf Classic, with all the behind-the-scenes details not previously recorded, as recalled by the participants themselves.

The youngster from Monona, Wisconsin, was granted his wish by a foundation, Thursday's Child, to meet Norman. Arrangements were made for Jamie to travel to South Carolina with his mother. They expected only perhaps a handshake and a brief conversation, then to watch while Norman played in the PGA Tour event.

Instead, there was an instant bond, as Greg said later, "He showed me inspiration and courage."

The winner of over 50 golf titles worldwide, Norman had not won in the United States for two years. He was a contender in the Heritage Classic, but most recently he had come up short. Jamie was scheduled to go home before the tournament ended; Greg would not have it. Jamie would stay for the finish.

Starting the last round, Norman was four strokes behind the leader. He and Jamie had decided that he needed to be more aggressive with his putter. He was, and the putts began rolling into the holes.

With Jamie watching every stroke - accompanied by Greg's friend, photographer Lawrence Levy - Norman scored birdies on holes Nos. 5, 8, 9 and 10 to take the lead, then held on for the remainder of a tense struggle.

On the final hole, Greg had a six-foot putt for par that would be essential if he were to win. He took a deep breath, said to himself, "This one is for Jamie," then stroked the ball into the cup. Along the side, Jamie responded with a clinched-fist salute and they exchanged high-fives. Then Greg and Jamie waited together, as the last of the challengers played their rounds, until Greg was officially the winner - by one stroke.

As a national television audience and the huge gallery watched, Greg presented the championship trophy to Jamie. "I'm not here to be a hero," Norman told the press. "I just wanted to fulfill a wish for Jamie."

"He's a hero to me," said Jamie.

It was the end of a dream-come-true, but not of their friendship, only the beginning.

Part One »

Writers Lawrence Levy Gordon S. White, Jr. Photography Lawrence Levy All profits will be donated to Ronald McDonald Children's Charities in the name of Jamie Hutton. © 1989, Great White Shark Enterprises. ISBN 0-9615344-4-3