Columnist Peter Benton: Norman set to rejoin PGA Tour

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002 | 9:13 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

The PGA Tour, in conjunction with Great White Shark Enterprises, have jointly announced that World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman will rejoin the Tour next year after competing as a non-member this past season.

Norman was a member of the Tour from 1983-2001, and lost his membership following the 2001 season as he was unable (or did not want to,) compete in the required minimum of 12 PGA events.

Norman's schedule for 2003 has not yet been announced, but he will not be required to play in a minimum number of tournaments in 2003, since he will not be utilizing the PGA Tour's "home circuit exemption" to play events in his native Australia. Norman will play his international schedule, including play in Australia, through the use of normal conflicting event releases.

His exempt status on the 2003 PGA Tour evidently comes as a result of his victory at the 1994 Players Championship that carried with it a 10-year exemption. When that exemption expires, his play will fall under a 10-year exemption that came with his 1997 NEC World Series of Golf title. After the 2007 season, he will play under the Life Member exemption he has earned as a winner of 20 PGA Tour titles.

Norman played 13 Tour events last year with a tie for fourth at The International being his best finish. He was, however, one of only 13 players to make the cut in all four major championships in 2003.

Since turning professional in 1976, Norman has amassed 86 international victories, including two British Opens (1986 at Turnberry and 1993 at Royal St. George's). He has competed in 327 PGA Tour events and has made the cut 278 times with nearly half (135) resulting in top-10 finishes.

Located in the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., the World Golf Hall of Fame now totals 96 members.