Date: March 27, 2015
Author: Mark Hayes

Norman: Fatherhood to spur Scott

Greg Norman says fatherhood will spur Adam Scott to new heights.

Scott, whose wife Marie gave birth to their first daughter Bo in February, had an extended break from the PGA Tour for the occasion.

But since he’s been back in the swing in the past three weeks in the US, Scott’s game has progressed as he readies himself for another assault on the Masters.

And Norman, speaking today at a Qantas Golf Club launch at New South Wales GC in Sydney, said Bo’s arrival would push Scott rather than hinder him.

“I think it’s going to be great for him,” enthused Norman, proud father to Morgan Leigh and Gregory Jnr.

“When you have your child growing up, for 3-4 years they don’t know who you are except for “Dad”.

“Then all of a sudden they see dad on TV and they want to know why you’re on TV. (Then) they start talking to you and asking questions and now you get excited because you want to perform well for your son or daughter.

“I was very, very proud of the fact to see my children, put ‘em in a trophy on Sunday night and say, ‘This is for you guys’.”

The “Great White Shark” even credited legendary Roger Federer’s ongoing enthusiasm for the ATP tennis tour to being a father.

“You look at Roger Federer. Ever since he had his first twins and now where they are today, he loves playing for them,” Norman said.

“We all love to play the sport, but when you can actually focus in and play for your blood – and make them understand who you are, what you are and how you go about things, I think that is one of the most important things (you can do).”