Shark: The Biography of Greg Norman (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

One of golf's more outsized characters, Norman is a true sporting enigma: an athlete whose enormous defeats are far more dramatic--and interesting--than his considerable victories. Despite two British Open titles and more than 50 tournament wins worldwide, his legend--built on a go-for-broke playing style--has been cemented by his painfully unforgettable collapses in the three majors played on American soil. St. John, the golf correspondent for the London Sunday Times, works hard to get a grip on Norman's charismatic personality and how his inability to check that personality defines his game.

From Publishers Weekly

Australian golfer Norman is considered one of the most gifted individuals to play his sport, even though in 22 years as a pro he has won only two major tournaments and had 52 second-place finishes, many of them in major events and many by a single stroke. While sports reporters have often described him as someone who "chokes" in a crisis, St. John, a golf writer for the Sunday Times of London, argues that his aggressive style of play does not let him rest content with a safe par when a flamboyant birdie is more appealing. This seems an outgrowth of Norman's childhood; he grew up as an indifferent student but a dedicated athlete, particularly devoted to surfing. But if his personal quirks have handicapped him on the links, they have proved valuable financially; one business deal netted him more than $40 million, and he has often earned $10 million a year in endorsements. His people skills have been far less successful, for he has fired two managers and virtually every caddie who worked with him. St. John gives readers an even-handed portrait. Photos.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Rutledge Hill Pr (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558535837
• ISBN-13: 978-1558535831
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #956,509 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great for shark fans, July 30, 1998

By A Customer

You'll now understand the arrogant, egotistical man you watch on television - and have confirmed the attitude he portrays. It's no wonder he never looks happy despite his wealth, Greg has put himself first at all costs to arrive at where he is. I can see now why he has no real friends, and you will see too. A complex individual, and must reading for Norman fans.

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book & a man who's never boring, August 10, 1998

By A Customer

Ms St. John's book is a fascinating look at a man who is extremely complex. Much like his approach to the green, Greg Norman is bold, aggressive, and sometimes to his detriment, brutally honest. I found interesting the people who do and do not like him. I for one, find him to be refreshing and never boring as so many PGA players are today. Keep breaking the mold, Greg! We need to be kept on our toes!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but not an in-depth analysis, March 25, 1999

By A Customer

Greg Norman is a great golfer. He has an incredible fascination for many golfers and his fans. I haven't found in this book in-depth analysis of his character, his passion for the golf, his competitive drive, and why he is so charismatic for many of us.A detailed biography is yet to come.