Norman Set To Host 21st Annual Shark Shootout

Courtesy of Greg Hardwig
Naples Daily News

NAPLES -- Greg Norman isn't playing, but the Shark will still be circling the grounds at Tiburón Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.

Norman will also spend some time in the booth during NBC's telecasts Saturday and Sunday.

Norman, the founder and host of the Shark Shootout, jumped in a golf cart to make the rounds to all of the pro-am teams Wednesday, and will have his picture taken with each group. He also attended a Chamber of Commerce breakfast Wednesday morning.

Norman can't play because of a slower-than-expected recovery from late September right-shoulder surgery. It's the first time in the 21 years of his tournament that he isn't playing.

"I think it's going to be a better presence on the golf course," he said. "People won't be able to watch me play. When you're playing, you've got six hours on the golf course."

In addition to his usual hosting duties, not playing will allow Norman to talk more with corporate guests, hospitality areas, pro-am participants and fans, although nothing concrete has been set up to meet with fans.

"It's hard to plan," said Norman, who will spend some time in the booth during NBC's telecasts Saturday and Sunday. "I'll just go with the flow. I'll be going around and watching the guys play, so I'll be interacting that way. People will see me, and I'll be engaged to some degree."

About Greg Norman Production Company

The Greg Norman Production Company (GNPC), a subsidiary of Great White Shark Enterprises, is devoted to event management and sports marketing. The GNPC is proud to operate the PGA TOUR-sanctioned Mayakoba Golf Classic & The Shark Shootout, Golf PARa Todos, Three Friends: One Goal, Greg Norman Estates events and many other corporate and special events. The GNPC prides itself on producing events and marketing initiatives that not only reflect the discerning standards of its namesake, but of its clients as well.

About Tiburón Golf Club

Tiburón Golf Club, a WCI managed facility, featuring two Greg Norman-designed golf courses, was carved from 800 acres of prime southwest Florida real estate. The courses reflect Norman's appreciation for pristine natural settings and his passion for great golf. The Black and The Gold courses contain a combination of stacked sod-wall bunkers and tricky coquina waste bunkers. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International, Tiburón reflects a strong commitment to enhancing and protecting the natural resources.

About The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples

The AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples is renowned for its outstanding service, incredible cuisine and luxurious accommodations with panoramic views. The 295-room Mediterranean-style resort, ranked as the top golf resort in Florida by Golf Digest (October 2009), is home to a pair of 18-hole signature Greg Norman golf courses at Tiburón and hosts the annual PGA TOUR Shark Shootout. The Tiburón Golf Course complex is complete with the Rick Smith Golf Academy, recognized as one of the top academies in the country.

About CureSearch for Children's Cancer

CureSearch for Children's Cancer funds the lifesaving, collaborative research of the Children's Oncology Group, the largest, cooperative pediatric cancer research organization in the world--essentially a "cancer center without walls." With more than 5,000 physicians, nurses, and other researchers at 230 hospitals in North America and around the world, this group treats 90% of children with cancer. For more information visit www.CureSearch.org or call 800.458.6223.

Contact

Lee Patterson
The Shark Shootout
704-553-4790
pattersonprinc@yahoo.com

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