Shooting It Out With Greg Norman

Would you describe your original vision for The Franklin Templeton Shootout? What fueled your desire to align yourself with the event?

It all started because of visits I used to make to the pediatric oncology ward of several prominent hospitals. After some research I learned that cancer kills more children under the age of 20 than any other disease and I wanted to help. So I created The Franklin Templeton Shootout, which has grown into one of the longest running post season events on the PGA Tour. We have raised more than $10 million for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation and other children's charities over the years, and that is something I am extremely proud of. While the cure rate has risen dramatically through the years, the loss of just one life to this dreaded disease is one too many. Our vision is to reach the day when every child with cancer can be offered the chance for a cure.

Has your vision for The Shootout changed over time?

Certainly the event has evolved over the years, but I'm not so sure my vision has changed that much. I set out from the beginning to create a unique event for my fellow professionals and in the process raise money and awareness for children's charities. In 1989, I really didn't think I'd ever be addressing the 20th anniversary of this event, which we will happily celebrate next December in Naples. I have many wonderful memories and the Shootout is without question one of my favorite weeks of the year.

How has this tournament changed since its inception 19 years ago?

To me, the biggest change is the elevated stature of The Franklin Templeton Shootout. Due to our limited field and qualifying criteria, it is not uncommon to have requests from upwards of 50 top players requesting a spot in the field. While I wish I could accommodate more of them, it is rewarding to have such genuine interest in the event. In 2006, the Shootout was the highest rated golf tournament in the fourth quarter, which means we attracted more viewers than the Tour Championship. In addition to eight hours of tournament golf on network television, The Golf Channel was on site broadcasting six hours of pre-game and post game shows. The benefit this exposure delivers to our sponsors, our venue and all of Southwest Florida is immeasurable.

Is there any news you would like to share about this year's event?

The biggest news as we head into December's event is just that -- we have a new date and that has been very well received. The tournament has moved from its traditional November slot to December 5-9. My inclination is that the increased buffer between the Tour Championship and the Shootout will attract a better field with guys looking for playing opportunities after a long layoff. Additionally, our broadcast partners have changed with The Golf Channel handling the Friday telecast and NBC talking over on the weekend.

Will Annika be in this year's field?

As I said repeatedly a year ago, Annika is the consummate professional. The time I was able to spend with her during the Shootout last year only reinforced that sentiment. I personally invited Annika back this year, but an overseas scheduling conflict means she is unable to join us again this year. She made it clear how much she enjoyed the event, her partnership with Freddie (Couples) and the admiration of the gallery. We could not have asked for a better way to jumpstart our relationship with Merrill Lynch. To have the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world become the first female competitor in the event's history was pretty special.

What are your goals for the tournament's future?

I am proud that my original plan for the Shootout still carries on -- a relaxing atmosphere and a unique team format all for the benefit of children's charities. Our move to Naples in 2001 and our long-term partnership with Merrill Lynch allows us to look to the future. With so many events around the world, and so much money up for grabs -- $63 million was awarded during the four weeks of the FedEx Cup alone -- I think it is important that the Shootout maintains its niche. Where else on Tour can you compete in a relaxing format alongside a good mate and stay at a five-star Ritz Carlton on the doorstep of the 18th hole with a last place guarantee of $65,000? As evidenced by the quality of our field, The Franklin Templeton Shootout is very successful.

Why Naples as a venue?

I think Naples was crying out for a tournament like this, especially at this time of year. It is supported tremendously well by sponsors, spectators and the local community as a whole. Overall, it has been outstanding. And we continue to receive a great deal of interest from top-ranked players who want to be a part of this event. I see nothing but bright blue sky for the future.

How difficult has it been for you to step away from playing professional golf?

It hasn't been difficult at all. You have to understand, I was on the road for 30-40 weeks a year for the better part of 30 years, so I love being home on the weekend. Here's one that might surprise you: Just recently I spent an entire Saturday and Sunday cleaning out my garage. I had the stereo blasting, was by myself and probably spent 15 hours on it. Trust me, you could eat off the floor in there right now! And all that lies ahead is really what excites me about life. There's so much that has been put in place to evolve, develop and grow. You're only limited by your own imagination and belief.

What are your thoughts on the state of the game?

How much time do we have and how many pages can N Magazine devote to this question? OK, I'll try to give you the abridged version. The game of golf is doing well in large part because of one guy that sits atop the world rankings, but at its core I think there are some stress fractures that will need to be addressed in order to ensure golf's long-term viability.

What are your thoughts on the FedExCup process?

Process is an appropriate choice of words. I'm not sure the casual golf fan has been able to comprehend the complex point system and how someone can skip a Playoff event and still be involved the next week. I think the system has to become more user friendly for the average golf fan to achieve the desired outcome -- driving interest in golf. On the surface, the concept of shortening the most meaningful part of the season and having a clear culmination is good. The idea being that the top players will compete against one another more frequently. However, like any new concept, this will have to be refined. You saw it with the Nextel Cup. Clearly there is a disconnect between the hierarchy at the PGA Tour and the top players. Tiger, Phil and Ernie all skipped a Playoff event, which is obviously not how the sponsors or networks had the series scripted. Not enough focus was placed on the schedule and players' need for a break. In 2008, with the Ryder Cup falling one week after the Tour Championship, top players will be asked to play important events in seven out of eight weeks. That's simply unrealistic.

What advice would you give to those just starting to play golf?

My first coach, Charlie Earp, always said to me, 'Greg, just learn to hit the ball as hard as you possibly can, then we'll figure out how to hit it straight.' I think lessons are important, but I think it's most important to make sure people just enjoy the game. Don't get too technical in the beginning, especially with kids. Let them have fun.

How's business? Would you compare the satisfaction generated from your business ventures with that gained from your TOUR success?

Business is great and we have Great White Shark Enterprises well positioned for continued growth. Honestly, I'm just as proud of my business successes as I am anything else. In golf you're on your own -- decisions, execution, results and deliverables. But in business I have a team of great people around me that make the system work, and within this team I have a tremendous amount of pride in the fact that my office is responsible for many other things relative to life that happens beyond its walls -- spouses, significant others, children, lifestyle, to mention just a few.

Would you change anything about your career?

Not a thing. Sure, more major championships would have been great, but I can say unequivocally that they would not have improved my quality of life one bit. As a competitor, of course I wanted to win more, but I certainly don't wake up in the morning feeling sorry for myself. It's quite the opposite. I wake up every morning feeling completely fulfilled by what golf has given me and by what I have extracted from the game.