Shark Wins In Big Wet

Greg Norman claimed the inaugural Daikyo Palm Meadows Cup, defeating Tateo Ozaki of Japan, with a 16-under-par 272 total. The tournament was played in near-cyclonic conditions on Queensland's Gold Coast.

Norman fired a final round 2-under-par 70 for a one-shot victory - his 46th professional tournament title - in the $500,000 Cup. He earned a check for $90,000 and a bonus prize of a new vehicle.

This victory extended Norman's lead in the world rankings to 97 points over Spaniard Seve Ballesteros and German Bernhard Langer.

The match was suspended for 15 minutes during the final round as the leaders were on the 15th hole, however players, fed up with the inclement weather, decided to forge ahead. In the interest of safety, they did wait for a quick thunderstorm and accompanying lightning to pass.

This event is one of the richest in Australia. A flat course, the Palm Meadows is nevertheless deceptive and challenging even in the best of conditions. The horrific weather made it that much tougher this week.