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"Golf's got an image bigger than any individual so that's not going to affect the game of golf," Norman said in reference to Woods.

 

"But we all feel for him and he's got to sort out his own private issues."

 

Golfing legend Greg Norman gave his sympathy to Tiger’s current predicament but rejected suggestions the negative publicity will damage golf's overall brand.

 

Asked to assess the health of golf in Australia, the former world No.1 referred to the frenzied interest witnessed at last month's JBWere Masters, which saw unprecedented galleries flock to Kingston Heath.

 

"I think the success of what Tiger Woods did at the Masters is indicative of what the Australian public and you guys (the media) are screaming out for," he said.

 

"We need that and it's there. Australian support for the game of golf has always been there and the proof's in the pudding with Tiger coming to town."

 

"And I think the Australian players should take stock of that and realise 'ok let's just pick up and know our responsibility is back here and help promote the game of golf'."

 

Norman expressed faith in the current crop of rising Australian golfers but admits one in particular - Novocastrian James Nitties - stands out.

 

"I've been watching him quite a bit actually and I'm very impressed with his game," he said of Nitties.

 

"I think the fortunate part about Australia is we do have a great wave of players coming through, but on a regular basis James is the one I've really been keeping an eye on - I even thought about him for the Presidents Cup to tell you the truth."

 

"We've got plenty of good hooks to hang our hats on that's for sure."

 

The Shark admits the disappointment of not being able to contest his national Open at a course he is an honorary member of, is hard to take.

 

"It is a shame but it is great to be here obviously," he said.

 

"To walk into a golf club without having your golf clubs is probably the first time in my career."

 

"I was hoping to be here, the surgeon was hoping I'd be here before we went into surgery and when he got in there he realised there was a lot more damage in there."

 

"I miss not being out there ... I want to get back I want to play."

 

Norman, meanwhile, was reluctant enter debate over the presentation of the golf course after strong winds halted play for almost six hours on Friday.

 

But the five-time Stonehaven Cup winner did defend the decision to stage the tournament at the exposed La Perouse layout, insisting it will produce a worthy champion.

 

"I've always been a huge fan of NSW Golf Club, I always call it the Pebble Beach of Australia," he said.

 

"The Australian Open being here is another feather in their cap and you will get a great winner here because the type of golf course it is it's going to produce good golf."
 

 

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