Norman, Ochoa Move Into Hard Sell Mode

Beth Ann Baldry with the details of Greg Norman and Lorena Ochoa's press conference in pursuit of the Olympic golf course design gig. Brace yourselves.

“I think the thing that strikes me the most is that Lorena likes to see the game of golf like I do, growth in the grass roots,” Norman said.

And when I think grass roots, I think of those two.

“And today when I walked off the golf course here, to see the number of children between the ages of 5-16 is a pure sign about where she touches the development of the game of golf – at the grass roots. That’s what the Olympics is all about, and what we’re about, which is why we are partnering with her.”

See, it's all about the children!

Ochoa’s Mexican roots are an obvious draw in Latin America. Norman approached Ochoa about the partnership in early September.

“I think I can give him the perspective of a player who is a little bit younger,” Ochoa said.

Whoa...brand hit there!

“As someone who has been on the LPGA, I can give him an idea of how women strike the ball, how the ladies view the course in a different way.”

Yes, how they like to enjoy the game as opposed to playing a course that makes them want to take up knitting.

“It’s making sure that everybody who plays our golf course, not just in the Olympics, is going to enjoy that golf course every shot they hit,” Norman said.

And that would make the course unique among Norman designs!