Norman’s long wait for conquest

Augusta Diary: IF Greg Norman's performance in last year's British Open was a blast from the past, his return to Augusta for this Masters – his 23rd visit – is likely to rekindle memories more inclined to provoke nightmares.

After all, nobody has experienced such outrageous misfortune at the hands of Augusta as the Great White Shark: in 1987, Larry Mize holed out from a bunker at the second tie hole to beat the Aussie in a play-off; while, in 1996, Norman relinquished a six-stroke lead to Nick Faldo in the final round and lost by five. That day, people looked on the ground rather than making eye contact with Norman, a three-time runner-up in the tournament.

“I think it’s important (to remember what happened). Some of the bad stuff was self-inflicted and some of it wasn’t,” said Norman, who revealed he has discussions with his wife, tennis legend Chris Evert, about his past failings.

“It’s interesting, because she went through 13 times getting beaten by Martina (Navratilova) and I went 22 times without winning the Masters. No matter how great a player you are, in whatever sport, you always go through the negatives and positives. It’s good to talk about the negatives because you don’t need to keep them inside you.”

Although fellow-Aussie Geoff Ogilvy has tipped Norman to be in contention come Sunday, Norman - who has his son Gregory on the bag - was more balanced in the assessment of his game. “I’m looking forward to having some fun and if the score dictates that I’m around on the weekend and the score dictates that I get closer to the lead on Sunday, hey, that would be great.”

Corporate heads show discretion

YOU wouldn’t guess there was any recession around here judging by the lengthy queues outside the merchandise shops, but owners of downtown hospitality shops – where corporate clients have traditionally been watered and fed off site – have felt the pinch.

Although tickets were sold out for all of the practice and tournament days, meaning there has been no drop in the number of spectators attending the tournament, Corporate America has – officially at least – come to Georgia in reduced numbers.

“The economy plays into it, but the way everything is going right now, if a company is doing well, this isn’t a good time to be showing off. Going to the Masters would almost be perceived as showing off,” said Steve Parry, the co-owner of the 1018 hospitality club in Augusta.

Seve sends special wishes

THE seat reserved for Seve Ballesteros at the champions dinner on Tuesday night wasn’t filled . . . but the Spaniard – undergoing chemotherapy treatment – had a presence in the form of a letter to his fellow-champions which was read by Jose Maria Olazabal.

“It was very emotional and very loving. As it was read, you could feel in the air the reciprocation from his friends and former champions going all the way back to Spain,” remarked Billy Payne, the chairman of Augusta National. “It was an amazing, amazing moment.”

By the numbers

Lowest scores - 72 holes: 270 – Tiger Woods (1997); 54 holes: 201 – Raymond Floyd (1976), Tiger Woods (1997); 36 holes: 131 – Raymond Floyd (1976); 18 holes: 63 – Nick Price (1986, third round), Greg Norman (1996, first round); Front nine: 30 – Johnny Miller (1975, third round), Greg Norman (1988, fourth round), KJ Choi (2004, second round) Back Nine: 29 – Mark Calcavecchia (1992, fourth round), David Toms (1998, fourth round).