GREG NORMAN flew across Russia to Japan last night nursing another grievous blow to his pride and prestige after handing the Peugeot Spanish Open title to Mark James.
The 43 year old Englishman resurrected his ailing career by securing his first victory for two years at the third extra hole, after they had tied on an 11 under par 277. Norman birdied the 18th of the final round from 20 feet to catch James, after the latter had three putted for a closing 69.
They each made par fours on two further visits to La Moraleja II's 383 yard, dog leg 18th, but when they switched to the short 17th, Norman cracked. He, hit a poor six iron short and wide of the green, then a weak chip that left him 12 feet short of the hole.
When, he missed that, James stepped in with two pulls to score his 23rd career win and leave Norman with further salt in the wounds inflicted by Nick Faldo at the 1996 US Masters.
Norman said lamely, I played well but the ball did not want to go where I wanted it to."
James, nearly two years his senior, and rising 44, made no effort to duck the obvious issues of over 40 tournament golf. I don't feel my nerve has gone yet or that I am old," he declared. "But as you get older there is less inclination to work your butt oft, and my concerns these days are about my technique. I just kept hitting the shots, hoping that Greg would mess up, and he did."
Padraig Harrington was the best placed Irishman in, 36th position on 286. For Harrington the 1996 champion, playing, with Europe's Ryder Cup captain was the most instructive part of a week which started, on a high note, dipped alarmingly, then ended with a flourish.
Harrington had five birdies to the Spaniard's three but was outscored 69-70 when Ballesteros sank a downwind wedge shot of 120 yard for an eagle two at the 18th to bring the gallery to its feet in prolonged applause.
It was a tough act to follow, but the Irishman showed he too has a rare talent by hitting his wedge from 115 yards to within eight feet of the flag, and holing the birdie putt for a two under par total of 286.
"My short game is improving," said the Dubliner, "but I am still nowhere near that man. He is fantastic and he sets the standard for all of us."
For the next two days he joins Ballesteros, Ian Woosnam, Costantino Rocca, Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke in celebrating the official opening of the Vilamoura I course on the Algarve.
For Ballesteros a first sub 70 score of the season and a first cheque in six European tournaments was proof his new alliance with coach Butch Harmon is likely to produce results. He said: "That eagle at the 18th left a good taste in my mouth. It is not every day you finish with a shot like that. It was encouraging, and I am now sure I can win again before the end of the year."
