Have you ever thought about what held back one of golf’s greatest legends? However, there was a significant weakness that overshadowed the great success of the show and the host, the weakness of “The Great White Shark“. The 69-year-old former world number one with 88 professional wins, including 20 on the PGA Tour, was a physical golfer. This revelation is from the book “OUT OF THE ROUGH” by Steve Williams which gives a different view of Greg Norman’s career.
The New Zealander caddie gave a detailed blow-by-blow description of his interaction with the world’s best golfer. His view of Greg Norman is quite enlightening. While placing him higher than Woods in terms of physical ability, Steve Williams emphasizes that mental toughness is the key factor in the game. He said, “Of all the players I have worked for, including Tiger, Greg would be the best in terms of the pure physical side of the game. But his weakness, and it was a huge weakness, was not being able to get over a bad break”.
The 60-year-old Steve Williams noted that Greg Norman had a very strong ego that did not allow him to consult with sports psychologists or mental coaches. He said, “He wouldn’t listen to anyone else; his ego was too big for that.” This arrogance probably cost him several potential wins. Also, he was always held responsible for the mistake, even if he provided the correct yardage.
He gave an example of a situation where even the slightest hitch would result in prolonged frustration. “If he dropped a shot, I’d say to Greg, ‘C’mon, let’s get more focused,’ and he’d yell, ‘What do you think I’m doing? I’m f**king focusing. Can’t you see I’m f**king focusing?’”. This mental barrier, Steve Williams said, was the complete opposite of Greg Norman’s physical skills, which were superior to many, including the 15-time major champion Tiger Woods.
Greg Norman had been through so many ups and downs with Steve Williams. However, their split was a rather unexpected move for many. What could have caused this sudden break-up?
The breakup of a legendary duo: Greg Norman and his caddy Steve Williams
It was the time when Greg Norman was at the top of his career. Steve Williams, his caddie, was his right-hand man during the golfing tournaments. Altogether, they made a perfect combination that became a symbol of the show. But in the year 1989, their professional relationship was cut short. Thus, Greg Norman and Steve Williams had different attitudes to the game. Greg Norman was an aggressive and ambitious man. Steve Williams was methodical and patient. These contrasting styles led to tension over time.
An example was during the Open Championship in 1989. Norman’s decision-making to take dangerous shots resulted in a confrontation with Steve Williams. This clash was a turning point in their relationship. Also, the growing popularity of Greg Norman attracted more media coverage. Steve Williams said that she was under pressure not only to manage Norman’s golf but also his image. The media also played a big role in their interactions by amplifying the situation and making it even worse.
Greg Norman took certain actions that affected the company without informing Williams. This sidelining was very painful to the caddie because he felt that his skills were not being utilized as they should. Williams later on felt that it was about time that he changed his team and so he did.
Steve Williams continued to caddie for other famous golfers including Tiger Woods. In your opinion, do you think Greg Norman and Steve Williams could have settled their differences? Drop your comments in the section below.
