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Day tipped for inaugural Greg Norman Medal

14th September, 2015
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Lock Jason Day in for the inaugural Greg Norman Medal – he’s a certainty – and no one will be happier about that than The Shark himself.

Norman could hardly sing Day’s praises higher when announcing the award named after him to be awarded annually to the best-performed male or female Australian golf tour professional.

“I love the kid to death,” said Norman in Sydney on Monday. “I love his story, I love the way he has approached life and his belief in himself.

“More than that, I love the way he has kept the inner core of his team as tight as what it is. He has got a tremendous group of people around him.

“And finally, his priority with his family is extremely high for him.”

The five-member selection panel of Peter O’Malley, Ian Baker-Finch, Graham Marsh, Jane Crafter and Michael Long won’t have to meet for long before handing Day the first Greg Norman Medal at a gala dinner in December.

The world No.3 has enjoyed one of the all-time great seasons in Australian golf history with four wins on the US PGA Tour in 2015 including his maiden major title at the US PGA Championship.

Norman said he believed Day’s power to weight ratio was the best in the world.

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A world No.1 for 331 weeks, 60-year-old Norman clearly identifies with Day’s boldness, notably in declaring from the day he tuned pro that he aimed to be world No.1.

“I think it’s admirable that he vocalised the fact he wants to be No.1. He’s setting himself public goals.

“He’ll get there for sure.”

Having been denied many more major titles than the two he won, Norman also identified strongly with Day’s struggle and numerous close calls before his major breakthrough at the PGA.

“I told him `once you bite that snake’s head off, that snake is dead forever’,” said Norman.

“He just had to keep believing. He never changed his philosophy, he never changed his game plan, and he never changed his belief that he would get there.”

If there is one aspect of Day’s situation Norman does question it’s his address.

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“Basing himself in Ohio in the middle of winter is probably not the smartest move for him in golf but you know what, he loves it, he does it and it’s working extremely well for him.”

While Day has soared this year, countryman and former world No.1 Adam Scott has waned somewhat and he faces a significant challenge next year when the ban on the anchored putting stroke he employs with his broomstick putter comes into force worldwide.

Norman thought it significant that Scott got back with top caddie Steve Williams for the last two majors of the year, suggesting the former Masters champion felt he “needed another rudder in his boat to help him direct himself.”

As for the putter, Norman believed he may not give up the long putter- just the anchored stroke.

“He tried it in Doral this year, a short putter, and it didn’t really work for him.

“So maybe there is a different way that he can use ….a longish putter that’s going to help him feel comfortable and relaxed.”

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