Greg Norman shares his perspective on Hilton Head Island, wins and losses, golf course design and more.
by Brad King
Slideshow photo above by John Loomis Photography; photo at right courtesy of Golf Channel
Brad King: As a player, you captured one of the most popular Heritage victories ever in 1988. As a golf course architect, you designed not only Oldfield, one of the most enjoyable and respected golf courses in the Hilton Head area, but also nearby Savannah Quarters and The Reserve Golf Club in Litchfield. What are some of your fondest memories from coming to Hilton Head and the Lowcountry all these years?
Greg Norman: Well, I first got to know Hilton Head as a player, and from the very beginning I could tell it was a great destination, No. 1 because of the atmosphere. You knew you could get one of those townhomes by the golf course, and you never had to put a key in the ignition. You went to the golf course; you went back to the townhome. You cooked yourself a dinner. It was just easy and relaxing, like the Lowcountry should be. Obviously, it was the week right after Augusta. I loved driving from Augusta to Hilton Head and just enjoying the relaxing drive. And of course, the tournament gave us an opportunity to relax a bit more than the Masters because the atmosphere was totally different, and it was a totally different golf course. I’ve always loved Harbour Town. It is, and always has been, one of my favorite golf courses anywhere. Not only the aesthetic beauty, but from a strategic standpoint, what Pete Dye did there was pure genius. Pete was able to design the course and really position the trees like hazards, requiring the golfer to absolutely work on every tee shot, and every iron shot that you play. I also really enjoyed the times when I went to play at Harbour Town and was able to stay out there on my boat. I enjoyed the unique opportunity to do that. You can’t do that at every tournament. I think I was one of the first golfers to do that by bringing my boat up there. And then over a period of time Curtis [Strange] brought his boat, and Davis Love brought his boat.
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