Dan_Miller's Blog

OK, so my mind was moving in a few directions as I watched things unfold this weekend.  In 27 years in this business, there are three times I have felt that I was unfairly disrespected by somebody I worked with or interviewed.  One of those honored positions goes to Greg Norman.  I won't go into a bunch of details but many years ago at the Kemper Open he was beyond a jerk to me and it's a moment I've never forgotten.  At the end of the day, I could really not care less but at least it gave him a place in my life.  I'm sure he appreciates that.

Needless to say, as reporters, we're human and we root for the guys that have treated us well, because you want to see good things happen to good people.  Now, Greg Norman is considered a good person by plenty of others in our business,  so my opinion, based on a single moment in time is really pretty petty and truth be told, I'm sure he's a great guy to have a beer with.

So as I watched what could have been one of the greatest moments in the history of golf unfold, the question was did I want this guy to win?  The answer was simply, yes.  I was very wrapped up in what he was doing and rooting hard for him at the age of 53 to secure a victory that would have changed the way people view his career.  As things stand now he is seen as a great player known more for coming painfully close than actually closing the deal.  If he had won this tournament, I think it would have replaced Bob Tway from the bunker, Larry Mize from off the green and Nick Faldo's crushing comeback victory in 96.  (I must point out that Faldo's comeback was aided by Norman's puking all over the course that day)

Anyway..It would have been a great story and one that really made Tiger's absence much less significant.  In the end he didn't win but I do think he gave the week what it needed.  A story that did erase much of the Tiger talk.  Look any major without Tiger becomes a Major*.  Sorry but that's just the way it is.  I'm not saying a Shark can beat a Tiger but for a couple of days it allowed us to get out of the Woods and see that there is still a reason to watch.  So to Norman, I say  "thanks and bygones".  

Now let's hope that we can get the same type of show here at Oakland Hills in a few weeks.  

BTW, the complete Norman story and the other two guys that made my all jerk team will be released at a later date when my book comes out.  My book will come out when I am sure that anybody I offend can't kill my career.  I'm shooting for 2034.