The Return of a Legend

This week's Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre see the return of a golfing legend.

Greg Norman returns to the sport after 12 months out through a shoulder injury that required surgery.

The Great White Shark returns to the venue where he first played back in 1980. I am delighted to see him back in action.

Sometimes named as golf's 'choker' or the games 'great loser' due to the fact he should have won much more during his career is something I would never label the great man. You don't spend 331 weeks at the top of the World Rankings and amass 90 tournament victories worldwide by being a choker.

Norman will undoubtedly look back at his two Open victories as he crowning achievements. In 1986 at Turnberry he shot a 63 en-route to a five shot victory and seven years later he had the Claret Jug back in his possession after a final round of 64 saw him prevail at Royal St Georges.

It certainly could have been much better for Norman in the Majors. His 29 top-ten finishes can tell you he came close on numerous occasions not too mention in 1986 when he lead going into every final round of the Majors to only win one. Bad luck and bad play struck him down on many times though.

In his own words though he would hardly change a thing.

He was the first player to reach $1 million, five times on the PGA Tour and the first to surpass the $10 million mark in career earnings.

He got his nickname during the 1981 Masters where this unknown Australian was leading the tournament. Having seen his aggressive style of play and mentioning that he liked to dive with sharks during his spare time the headline came 'Great White Shark to Win The Masters' and the rest as they say is history. He took on the image as he logo in the early 80's which is now known Worldwide.

His aggressive style on the golf course is also how he lives his life off it. When he turned pro in 1976 he was never in doubt that the game was going to provide a living for him and his family but he has made himself into a business.

Arguably sports greatest example of athlete turned entrepreneur, Norman's is now known more of a businessman than a golfer having rubbed shoulders with US Presidents and World leaders.

His businesses and the way he conducts himself on and off the golf course should be a blueprint for professional golfers today.

He serves as Chairman and CEO of Great White Shark Enterprises, a multinational corporation that comprises several companies and divisions including Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Greg Norman Wine Estates, Greg Norman Australian Prime, Southern Cross Developments, Greg Norman Production Company, Greg Norman's Australian Grille, Greg Norman Interactive as well as many other merchandising and licensing initiatives.

His golfing achievements were enough for an induction into Golf's Hall of Fame and his continued work off the course will provide him with the stability for years to come.

His whole life he has led from the front. I admire the man greatly and it's a pleasure to see him back playing. He truly is one of the games greats.

When he slowly drifts away from the game as he has done for the past few years, he will leave his legacy for those to follow. Exactly what he did when he learnt from Jack and Arnold.

He learnt from the best, now it's time for others to follow him.