The
Great White Shark Visits Cayman
Golfing Hall-of-Famer
Greg Norman (right) along with Ritz-Carlton developer Michael
Ryan and his wife Judy Tattersall-Ryan.
Greg Norman (left) inspects the site of the future Ritz-Carlton golf course along with a member of his design team.
The Great White Shark was seen on Grand Cayman's shores last Friday 23 May, when golfing legend Greg Norman visited the Island to inspect the site of the golf course that will bear his name at The Ritz-Carlton.
The 48-year-old Australian was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in Florida last November, having won 20 career PGA tournaments, including British Open titles in 1986 and 1993.
Though still active on the PGA tour, health issues have limited his playing time in recent years. However he does stay very busy designing golf courses, having opened 38 courses worldwide, with another 17 under contract.
The site of his future golf course in Cayman impressed Mr. Norman. "It's incredible," he said, "The Ritz-Carlton has a great reputation worldwide, and it is certain to continue here."
The nine-hole, 3,600-yard Ritz course will be a challenge for golfers, with narrow fairways and greens nestled between many water hazards. Golfers will have to be at the top of their game to avoid losing balls.
Pointing out the uniqueness of the course, Mr. Norman expressed his delight at having the opportunity to be a part of the Ritz project. "Its good to see it up and running," he said. "We're looking forward to watching the final stages as it nears completion."
He stressed the importance of balance when designing and constructing any course. "Making a golf course is not just about building a tee and a green," he said, " There is a world of geometry involved.
We cut into the course creating shapes to give it character and flavour."
In terms of safety, the narrow fairways
of the course had to be laid out in a manner so that people would
not be injured.
Environmentally, Mr. Norman advocates the 'least disturbance approach',
making all efforts to preserve as much of the natural environment
as possible.