Greg Norman Interview

Norman is also an adviser to the Chinese Olympic golf programme and he has worked in particular with the country’s rising female stars. He has been impressed by what he has seen, both in China and beyond.

"If you look to the future maybe it’s not the men but the women that have a huge future here in Asia,” says Norman. “Look at the number of players from Korea, China, Japan. If they keep firing and keep sparking and create that forest fire of enthusiasm, maybe the LPGA even has a chance of creating an opportunity through Asia before any of the other men’s tours do.”

Norman’s architectural firm - Greg Norman Golf Course Design - has also thrived over the past 10 years, particularly in Asia where, despite the current crackdown in China, it has been responsible for two of this writer’s favourite courses in the region - Danang Golf Club and The Bluffs at Ho Tram, both of which are in Vietnam.

"The courses in Vietnam have turned out fantastically well. From a golf course design point of view, Vietnam has been acutely important for us. We’ve proven it can be done from an environmental standpoint and from a resort standpoint,” he says.

"In China we’re still doing quite well. I think there are six golf courses under construction in China now and we’re doing three of them. We’re holding our own there because at the end of the day the relationship we have with the central and local governments are very strong. I make the effort. I’ve been going to China since 1973. I was the first guy to play and exhibition there. So at the end of the day I’ve kept my oar in the water there trying to promote the game of golf as much of I could.

"From my point of view [golf in] China has a long life. Just right now they are trying to understand where it’s going to sit - where they are going to put the courses.”