Now here's a real treat for shark lovers. Greg Norman's personal web site, www.shark.com, offers a choice between viewing his arthroscopic hip surgery, performed in Florida on June 28th, or the shoulder surgery which he had after the US Masters in 1998. All in the knowledge that their idol is now pain-free for the first time in several years.

"It's a new lease on life," said Norman, who is expected to return to competitive action in the USPGA Championship at Valhalla on August 17th to 20th. "I'll be able to hit the ball an extra 20 yards if I have to, without putting trauma on my body."

Was he contemplating some sort of challenge to young Mr Woods, who happens to be 21 years his junior?

"Golf needs a rivalty and I'd love to be part of a rivalry against Tiger," said the irrepressible Australian. "I know there's a huge gap in age, but there was a 15-year age difference between me and Jack Nicklaus when I joined the tour. And we competed." Somehow, the relevance of that last point seems to escape me.