Shark: The Biography of Greg Norman

Australian golfer Norman is considered one of the most gifted individuals to play his sport, even though in 22 years as a pro he has won only two major tournaments and had 52 second-place finishes, many of them in major events and many by a single stroke. While sports reporters have often described him as someone who ""chokes"" in a crisis, St. John, a golf writer for the Sunday Times of London, argues that his aggressive style of play does not let him rest content with a safe par when a flamboyant birdie is more appealing. This seems an outgrowth of Norman's childhood; he grew up as an indifferent student but a dedicated athlete, particularly devoted to surfing. But if his personal quirks have handicapped him on the links, they have proved valuable financially; one business deal netted him more than $40 million, and he has often earned $10 million a year in endorsements. His people skills have been far less successful, for he has fired two managers and virtually every caddie who worked with him. St. John gives readers an even-handed portrait. Photos. (Apr.)