Norman’s nightmares

It wasn’t a very happy return to Turnberry for Greg Norman who opened his Open account with a six-over-par 77.

The 1986 Turnberry champion suffered one disaster after another and for once regular gallery cries of “Come on, Aussie” failed to inspire him.

What a difference a year makes. Twelve months ago at Birkdale the Great White Shark got off to a flyer, impressively turning back time to give Padraig Harrington a great run for his Claret Jug.

Norman was looking a disconsolate figure at +6 after 13 holes and his nightmares continued when missing a short putt for par at the short 15th.

To his credit he kept battling until the bitter end and was rewarded with a couple of last-gasp birdies which at least gives him a glimmer of hope of staying around for the weekend.

It’s unlikely Norman will blame his bagman for his tale of 1st round woes – son Gregory is caddieing for him this week.