Who was Moe Norman?
Moe Norman was a Canadian professional golfer who was widely regarded as one of the best ball strikers in the history of the game. He won 54 tournaments in Canada and set 33 course records. He was also known for his unconventional and self-taught swing, which produced remarkable accuracy and consistency. He earned the nickname “Pipeline Moe” for his ability to hit shot after shot perfectly straight.
Norman was born in Kitchener, Ontario, in 1929. He started playing golf as a caddie at the Rockway municipal course in his hometown. He won the Canadian Amateur Championship twice, in 1955 and 1956, before turning professional in 1957. He played briefly on the PGA Tour, but he preferred to stay in Canada due to his shyness and the bullying he faced from some of his peers. He dominated the Canadian Tour for decades, winning seven consecutive Canadian PGA Seniors’ Championship titles between 1979 and 1985.
Norman was also a colorful and eccentric character, who often entertained crowds with his witty remarks and trick shots. He was admired by many fellow golfers, such as Sam Snead, Tiger Woods, and Lee Trevino, who praised his skills and swing. Norman was inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame in 1995 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
How did Moe Norman die?
Norman died in 2004 in a Kitchener hospital from congestive heart failure, a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. He had suffered from this condition since he underwent heart bypass surgery six years earlier. He also had a heart attack two years before his death.
Norman was 75 years old when he passed away. He never married or had any children. He lived a simple and frugal life, spending most of his winters setting pins in a bowling alley for a few cents a line. He devoted his life to golf, and he was often seen practicing at the driving range until dusk. He was buried at the Parkview Cemetery in Waterloo, Ontario, where his gravestone reads “Moe Norman Golf Legend”.
What is Moe Norman’s legacy?
Norman is widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, and one of the most influential figures in Canadian golf history. He is remembered for his unique and flawless swing, which has been studied and imitated by many golfers and instructors. He is also remembered for his humble and humorous personality, which endeared him to many fans and friends.
Norman’s achievements and contributions to the game of golf have been recognized and honored by various organizations and institutions. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1997, the country’s highest civilian honor. He was also named the Canadian Male Athlete of the Century by Maclean’s magazine in 1999. He was featured in several books and films, such as The Feeling of Greatness: The Moe Norman Story by Tim O’Connor, and The Legend of Moe Norman by Barry Morrow.
Norman’s legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of many golf enthusiasts and admirers, who regard him as a legend, a genius, and a hero. He is also an inspiration and a role model for many aspiring golfers, who aspire to emulate his skills and spirit. As Norman himself once said, “I don’t want to be famous. I want to be great.”
