MEET THE GREAT WHITE SHARK’S BIGGEST FANS!
A magical childhood and a golf champion mum helped Greg Norman become a legend
When a blondhaired, blue-eyed teenage surfer pleaded with his mum Toini to teach him how to play golf, no one could have guessed it would mark the beginning of an extraordinary career.
“It was 1969, and we’d just moved to Brisbane from Townsville – Greg was 15 and Janis 17,” Toini, 89, tells Woman’s Day from the family home she shares with her husband of 69 years Merv, 92, in Moreton Bay, Queensland.
“I was a championship golfer with a four handicap, and Greg asked if he could carry my bag and clubs for me at the inaugural Virginia Golf Club competition day.
“He figured out if his mum could play that well, he had a reasonable chance at being pretty good. As it turned out, he was a bit more than just good!”
With four grandkids and six great grandchildren, Toini, who Greg recently described as his biggest supporter, believes the secret to a good life is living within your means, and never forgetting where you’re from.
“We had humble beginnings,” she says. “Greg was born in Mount Isa where Merv was an engineer and I was a stay-home mum. We moved to Townsville, where Greg and Janis spent hours outdoors running and swimming – they were magical years.
“We’d go over to Magnetic Island for weekends and school holidays, where there was a nine-hole golf course. Both the kids would have a go.
I don’t think we ever expected that within a few short years our son would become The Great White Shark!”
And Janis, 67, will forever be Greg’s protective big sister. “I’ve always had his back – and for the record, I was actually better at sport than Greg – and I still love to beat him!” she laughs. “A few years ago, we were over in the States visiting Greg and Kiki [Greg’s third wife] at their stunning Seven Lakes Ranch in Colorado. We played golf – mum, Greg, my husband Jimmy, Kiki and me – and I won the day! My little brother was very impressed!”
PROUD FAMILY
With an estimated net worth of more than $400 million, Greg, who during his career spent 331 weeks as the world’s number one golfer, has no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
“He’s never been fitter or happier. Kiki is a good, kind woman and we adore her. She and Greg are good for each other. What more could we ask for?” says Toini.
‘He’s never been happier… What more could we ask for?’
“We’re very proud of his achievements, as we are of all our family. He keeps in regular touch on Facetime, but it’s not the same as having him here. He loves coming home. You can’t take the Aussie out of our boy!”
Toini and Janis agree that while it’s lovely sharing in Greg’s lavish lifestyle on holidays, they wouldn’t trade their lives for anything.
“Mum and Dad have built a charming little home right next door to us. We’ve even put in a gate between the two properties!” says Janis.
“Mum and I go down to the bay to walk every morning, and my husband Jimmy is always helping them out with whatever they need. It’s the perfect scenario.
“Dad’s been a bit crook of late, but he’s happy sitting outside in his chair soaking up the Queensland sun, reading the paper and doing the crossword, while watching Mum do what she loves most – pottering in the garden.
“We’re very close. Mum is an amazing woman and Dad a tough old boot with a wicked sense of humour! Mum and I love a cheeky glass of champagne – don’t tell Dad! – and we play golf together every Tuesday. She still hits
a mean ball, and is always giving me helpful little hints on how I can improve my swing.”
Toini hopes Greg can bring the family back for a reunion. “It’s our 70th wedding anniversary and my 90th next year, so I hope Greg and the US family come over to reunite with the Aussie Normans – that’ll be some shindig! And yes Greg, I promise I’ll make your favourite roast pork!”