Would you heed Greg Norman’s counsel if you could receive it? Tiger Woods, that is. When Woods and Norman were just starting out in their careers, they were thought to be competitors. However, the CEO of LIV Golf made an intriguing and practical financial recommendation that would have helped Woods maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Traveling is a crucial component of the profession for golfers, in addition to competing on the course! Claude Harmon revealed the incident and the travel challenges that a professional has throughout their busy business on his podcast, Son of a Butch.
The podcast host discussed with LIV golfer Richard Bland how traveling wears on players because they do it multiple times a season. When Claude Harmon’s father, Claude Harmon, was working with Greg Norman, Claude Harmon remembered that Norman had given Tiger Woods advice on how to resolve the problem of being able to spend more time with his family.
Harmon pointed out that the PGA Tour now uses private jets almost exclusively. However, “from Jack Nicklaus” it was learned. In addition, he tallied all the greats, saying that “Nicklaus had his own jet.” Palmer owned a private aircraft. Greg has a personal jet. Thus, Norman advised Woods to “invest in private jet travel, especially in America” since he was transitioning into a professional.
The 24-time PGA Tour winner gave the advise because he believed that using a private plane would help him “have a family one day” and would enable him to “get a night at home.” He also discussed the impact that spending time with family has on a golfer’s mentality.
Harmon brought up the fact that, despite appearances, being a professional golfer is a difficult and hard job. Speaking on the pricey private jet travel, Harmon outlined the reasons investing in one was crucial.
According to Harmon, “the reset that it gives you is enormous” when a golfer is able to spend even a few hours with their family and sleep in their own. As Harmon is a top instructor for most pros and has worked with players like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Rickie Fowler, and many more, he typically travels with golfers. In his most recent podcast, he provided some insight into the life of a golfer.
