Queenslander Captures Victorian

The Victorian Open came to a close at the Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne and strong winds provided a challenge for the entire field. Considered one of the nation's top venues, it is also one of the longest championship courses in the country.

The Great White Shark, Greg Norman, finished in the top spot with a four-round total of 7-under 281 in winning his 12th Australian title. Norman finished two strokes clear of Victorian and defending champion Bob Shearer and collected another sizeable check - $10,800 to be exact - for his bulging bank account.

New Zealander John Lister could not quite bridge the gap to Norman during his final-round charge. Lister started the day at even par, steadily climbed the leaderboard but simply ran out of holes and had to settle for third place.

As expected, Norman was delighted with his performance and his latest trophy. "I know there are some people who are not very nice about me, and that's understandable," Norman said. "I've come a long way in a short time. I've tried very hard and have succeeded."

A year ago, Norman lost to Shearer by one stroke. He held a two-shot lead with two holes remaining, but bogeyed both and fell into second place. Norman is no stranger to the Metropolitan course. He lost the Open to Jack Newton in 1979.