Norman returns to Augusta

It is tough to think of a more moving story this week at Augusta than Greg Norman finally winning the Masters at the age of 53. Maybe Fred Couples winning runs it close (Both Fred’s wives have died, his second only a couple of months ago) but a Norman victory would certainly go into Masters folklore.

It’s his 23rd appearance here, but he hasn’t played since 2002, when the course was 420 yards shorter. He only got into the tournament after his brilliant performance at Royal Birkdale in the Open last year. His son, Greg, will caddie for him (“he has overruled me in a lot of things in life, so he’ll probably do it again when he’s on the bag.”) and his wife, Chris Evert, will walk around every hole watching him.

“When I was at my peak,” he said, “in the late ‘80s and early 90’s, all the players in the locker room would say ‘Play well’. They’re doing that again this week, but the difference is now they really mean it. It’s great to be back. I’ve played well here and I’ve played poorly. Some of the things which have happened to me were self-inflicted and some weren’t. But I’ve got some great memories, and they’re all still very vivid. I just hope it warms up a bit. Whatever happens, I’m going to have fun.”