Greg Norman: Still a Champ and Competing, But on a Larger Golf Landscape

Many stars retire from golf competition and begin an awkward search for golf-related business opportunities. Greg Norman was different--he had always been looking ahead to his future as an entrepreneur.

Norman's successful foray into course design (one of many enterprises in which he has excelled) is marked by an artful, inspired visual style coupled with a keen sense of the difficulty factor most players can handle.

FLORIDA: Jupiter Country Club

The 2008 British Open–where Norman nearly went wire-to-wire as a surprise 53-year-old champion–testified to the athleticism and pure golf feel that made Greg Norman such a great player for so long. In addition to being the No. 1 golfer worldwide for 331 consecutive weeks, he won two major championships and finished second in a handful of others.

From Norman's U.S. base right on Jupiter Island, the trip to Jupiter Country Club was the shortest of rides. This "home-field advantage" for the project gave Norman the chance to make many visits and provide ongoing design input. The result is a course of great design integrity with a special rhythm to the holes.

FLORIDA: BellaTrae at Champions Gate

Norman was extended the opportunity to double his efforts at the new BellaTrae at Champions Gate, FL, and the result was the National and International. Golfers enjoy a comprehensive tour of the 1,200-acre private and gated community on the 36 holes which weave through woodlands, wetlands, and orange groves. The community is additionally enhanced by being the world headquarters of the David Leadbetter Golf Academy. It further proves that Norman the showman and gritty golfer can share a stage with anyone and still look great.

Other Articles in the Golf Architect Series

I. The No. 1 Real-Estate Enhancer: Jack Nicklaus - Find out why this golf course architect adds the most value to the real estate surrounding the golf courses he designs: Click here!

II. Tom Fazio: Elevating Course Design--and Home Values

III. Arnold Palmer: His Brilliant Second Career

IV. Arthur Hills: Value-Adding Visionary

V. Robert Trent Jones II: Continuing the Legacy

VI. Bob Cupp & Tom Jackson: Veterans with Prime Portfolios

VII. Pete Dye: Lifelong Innovator (Part-Time Intimidator)

IX. Heroes of the Southeast: Byrd, Jackson, Johnston and Lee

X. Rees Jones Took a Legacy and Ran With It: Woodside, Viniterra, Others Are Examples