Norman Chokes Early - Misses Cut
Greg Norman exited the 62nd Masters without a whimper on Friday when he missed the cut by four strokes.
Augusta National has been a torture chamber for Norman in many of his 18 appearances, and never more so than the past two years. Since his infamous final-round 78 two years ago, when he blew a six-stroke lead to winner Nick Faldo, Norman has looked a pale shadow of his former self at his favorite tournament.
The Shark shot 77-74--151 to miss the cut last year, and this year did even worse, shooting 76-78 with just two birdies in 36 holes.
His 10 over par was his all-time worst Masters score, and it left many people wondering if the most resilient man in golf is finally on the decline after nearly two decades at or near the top of the sport.
Norman, 43, looked almost disinterested Friday after a bogey at the first hole. On several occasions, he played much quicker than usual -- sometimes a sign that a player is going through the motions.
Norman denied he wasn't as motivated as usual, but admitted he hadn't felt his usual nerves.
"I wasn't nervous on any shot the last 36 holes," he said. "Normally I'm nervous. Maybe there weren't any vibes. One thing I'm not is worried. It hasn't been a smooth year (but) it will turn around."
Perhaps it was unrealistic to expect too much this week from Norman, who came to Augusta under an injury cloud; he hadn't played a competitive round in five weeks. With a sore left shoulder restricting his swing, he was unusually short off the green.
"I couldn't turn as much as I would have liked," Norman said. "I wouldn't say I was 100 percent (but) I came in feeling pretty good, ready to go."
"I felt I hit the ball solid. I didn't make any putts. Things didn't go my way this week. It's too bad I didn't shoot about 10 shots better. I'll just get on my horse and go home."
Although he said he has no plans to retire, Norman added he's ready to cut back. In the immediate future, he will have an MRI on his injured shoulder on Monday. The earliest he plans to return to competition is at the BellSouth Atlanta Classic on May 7.
"Don't expect to see me play as much as I have," he said. "I've got so many great things happening off the course. I'm not going to quit the game but it's definitely a transition time."
"I don't want to hang on in the game (if I'm not competitive). I'll know the time to get out."
Even though the chances of him winning the elusive green jacket continue to decrease, Norman is not ready to concede he never will win the Masters.
"When I stop (playing) and I haven't won it," Norman said, "then I'll give you a comment on that."
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