On Saturday night April 13, 1996 PGA pro and world no. 1 Greg Norman held a 6 stroke lead over longtime rival Nick Faldo heading into the final round of The Masters.
At Hole No. 1 the 41 year old bogeyed, setting the tone for what would become one of the most tragic and historic collapses in golf history as he went on to drop 6 strokes and finished second.
Two previous times, in 1986 and 1987, “the Great White Shark” lost in heartbreaking fashion at Augusta National on the last round, one of which was to a second hole playoff chip-in from Larry Mize
Despite winning the British Open in 1986 and 1993, 20 PGA Tour wins, and having the 2nd most all time weeks at world no. 1 (331, second to only Tiger), his biggest failures and shortcomings are some of the most iconic snapshots in the history if professional golf.
Most people won’t ever have to deal with gut-wrenching televised failure, however, I don’t know of anyone that can say they aren’t ashamed of some lifetime shortcomings.
In my opinion, the best part of the Greg Norman story is that his failure not only endeared him to fans for the rest of his career, but made him a model of graciousness. While we love to honor success, more often we identify with someone’s weakness and failures.
Who doesn’t want to work with, for, or lead a person that knows they aren’t perfect, has the humility to acknowledge it, the willingness to show some cracks in the professional facade and connect on a human level.
Competence is great.
Humility learned through experience is greater.
#dothingsdifferently