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Geoff Ogilvy knows he will never be another Greg Norman, at least not in the eyes of the Australian public, but he is quietly and methodically establishing himself as one of the country’s all-time great golfers.
Ogilvy, the best player in the world over the past four months, can sit in the stand at the MCG, watching his beloved St Kilda, without being widely recognised, something superstar Norman could not possibly do.
However, that lack of public attention doesn’t seem to bother the Victorian, who is merely happy to be recognised by his peers as a player of the highest order.
“I am probably playing best of all the Australians at the moment (but) there’s no next Greg Norman (and) there just won’t be,” Ogilvy said after a magnificent 4 and 3 victory over his English mate Paul Casey in the final at the $US8.5 million ($A13.35 million) Accenture Match Play Championship at Dove Mountain on Sunday.
“Charisma, you either have it or you don’t, and I think Greg had it more than most people have ever had it.”
Never mind Ogilvy playing best of the Australians right now – how about the entire world?
Since taking a two-month break last September and October, he has won three times in eight tournaments worldwide, including his first home win at the Australian PGA Championship in December.
“It’s not for me to decide where I sit in the pecking order,” said 31-year-old Ogilvy, who is now ranked fourth in the world.
“I had a really good break last year. I was pretty grumpy with golf at that point and I hardly touched a club for at least six weeks.
“Just getting away was nice. Ever since I’ve done that, I haven’t overplayed and I’ve just tried to enjoy it.
“I played the best 72 holes I’ve ever played at Maui (to win the Mercedes-Benz Championship in January) and the last two days this weekend I played almost as good as I did there.
“All of a sudden this weekend, I played unbelievable. I played better and better during the week, which doesn’t often happen.”
Ogilvy did not give Casey a chance, jumping to a 4-up lead after nine holes, and he was always at least 3-up the rest of the day, thanks to 10 birdies and an eagle.
Casey had no hesitation singing Ogilvy’s praises: “Geoff is a quiet guy,” Casey said.
“Maybe that’s why he doesn’t get the attention or recognition he deserves, but he’s a phenomenal golfer.
“His demeanour doesn’t waver, which is a huge attribute, especially in match play.
“He walks at the same pace, whether he’s playing well or poorly. He manages himself very well, and that’s what I felt today. I got outplayed.”
Ogilvy’s victory in Arizona, worth $US1.4 million ($A2.2 million), was his second in this World Golf Championships event, and it enhanced his reputation as a man for the big occasion.
His seven professional wins include three WGC events – second only to Tiger Woods – and, of course, the 2006 US Open.
Next up will be another WGC event, the CA Championship in Miami starting Thursday week.
Ogilvy happens to be defending champion, after last year ending Woods’ six tournament winning streak.
“Tiger will be there, so it will be fun,” said Ogilvy.