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By Tom Hanson
Naples Daily News
In 2005, The Shark turned 50 and returned to the competitive waters.
Unfortunately, he also returned to the operating table a few too many times -- including a knee surgery just four weeks ago.
Greg Norman celebrated living a half century by stirring up old memories. The founder and host of The Franklin Templeton Shootout made some noise in his so-called "senior" debut.
In July, at the Senior British in Aberdeen, Scotland, Norman finished one shot out of a playoff between Tom Watson and Des Smyth. The next week, at the U.S. Senior Open at the NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio, Norman finished fourth.
With two strong showings, Norman re-energized his competitive appetite.
 | | "I really did miss it. It's in there. It's just a matter being healthy," Norman said of his competitive juices. |
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"I haven't really been in that arena for some time because of my health but once I got back a lot of common things came running through my head," he said. "You miss that. Tom Watson and I looked at each other, and we have competed against each other many times, and when you get in that situation again your juices get fired up."
After not recording a top-10 finish in five years, Norman said that he missed that loving feeling.
"Reality sets in. I really did miss it over the years," Norman said. "It's in there. It's just a matter being healthy."
But reality did set in for Norman. His turn-back-the-clock reunion with golf got cut short.
Norman's back flared up and allowed him to play only four events. In March, Norman had surgery on his back, which delayed his Champions Tour debut.
A month ago (Oct. 13) Norman had a minor arthroscopic procedure done on his right knee at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colo. Add in the fact that he had to cleanup after Hurricane Wilma hit his Hobe Sound home last month, and Norman's game might be a little rusty this week.
"I'm a little behind on working on my game but I promise to be competitive," said Norman, whose home has been hit by three hurricane eyes in 14 months. "I was busy chainsawing things, cutting down trees and doing all of that stuff."
Norman will be paired with good friend and fellow Aussie Steve Elkington this week. Last year, Norman and Scott McCarron made a run at the Shootout title until falling out of contention on the final day.
McCarron saw Norman getting that competitive fire back.
"He played great for three days," McCarron said. "It's great to see Greg playing again. I think everyone would like see Greg play even more."
Norman's performance didn't surprise McCarron. But did it surprise Norman?
"If I said, 'yes,' I'd be lying to myself and if I said, 'no,' I'd come off sounding a little egotistical," Norman said. "I was disappointed that I didn't win and that's probably a testament to my desire because I want to get out there and win at that level."
Despite all of the aches and pains, Norman enjoyed turning 50. He can't wait for more birthdays at this rate.
"Actually I thought if it's this good to be 50, I can't wait to be 60," Norman said. "I'm now fortunate that I have a lot of things going on in my life and I'm fit. I've had some ailments and some surgeries, but all in all I'm healthy and thankful."
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