Greg Norman’s Outburst Sparks Controversy
Thirty years after his collapse at the 1996 Masters, Greg Norman remains a central figure in golf debate. He began the final round with a six-shot advantage and left Augusta without the title.
A day that defined two careers
Nick Faldo claimed the 1996 Masters with a five-shot victory. His 2-iron approach at the 13th became an iconic moment in major championship history.
Faldo embraced Norman on the 18th green and told him, “Don’t let the bastards get you down.” The image has endured alongside Faldo’s three green jackets.
Near misses and legacy
Norman was a two-time Open Champion, winning in 1986 and 1993. Yet Augusta eluded him, and many call him the greatest player never to wear a green jacket.
His career includes painful moments. Larry Mize chipped in to beat him at the 1987 Masters. Bob Tway’s bunker shot decided the 1986 PGA Championship. Norman also challenged at the Masters in 1986 and 1999.
The feud and public criticism
Recent years have seen public tension between Norman and Faldo. Faldo criticized the early LIV Golf format and its expansion to 72 holes.
He argued the structure had softened competition and disproportionately rewarded mid-ranked players. He also questioned the tournament’s effect on the wider golf landscape.
Norman, who helped establish LIV Golf before stepping away last year, publicly rejected those remarks. In an interview with The Telegraph he called their relationship distant and said Faldo had said “nasty” things during the LIV period.
The exchange generated headlines. One such example read, “Greg Norman’s Outburst Sparks Controversy.” The phrase reflects how heated the public rhetoric became.
Norman’s perspective and resilience
Norman has reflected on the 1996 collapse in interviews and a 2022 ESPN documentary. He returned to Augusta National in the film and watched footage of that final round.
He accepts the outcome as part of sport. He has said the event does not define his life or his love for the course, even if it still pains him.
2026 Masters broadcast schedule
| Date (AEST) | Coverage | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday April 9 | Round 1 – Featured Groups | 11:00pm |
| Friday April 10 | Round 1 – Amen Corner | 12:45am |
| Friday April 10 | Round 1 – World Feed | 3:00am |
| Friday April 10 | Round 2 – Featured Groups | 11:00pm |
| Saturday April 11 | Round 2 – Amen Corner | 12:45am |
| Saturday April 11 | Round 2 – World Feed | 3:00am |
| Sunday April 12 | Round 3 – Featured Groups | 12:00am |
| Sunday April 12 | Round 3 – Amen Corner | 1:45am |
| Sunday April 12 | Round 3 – World Feed | 2:00am |
| Monday April 13 | Final Round – Featured Groups | 12:00am |
| Monday April 13 | Final Round – Amen Corner | 1:45am |
| Monday April 13 | Final Round – World Feed | 2:00am |
The 2026 Masters will stream live on Fox Sports via Filmogaz.com. Viewers can follow the tournament on the dedicated coverage schedule above.
