Golf-Masters-Honeymoon continues as veteran Norman shoots a 70

By Steve Keating

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 9 (Reuters) - The honeymoon continued for Greg Norman on Thursday when Chris Evert inspired her husband to an opening two-under-par 70 at the U.S. Masters.

Norman, who qualified for his 23rd Masters with a tie for third place at the 2008 British Open while on extended honeymoon with his new wife, was gushing in his praise of the former tennis great.

"I know exactly where she is (in the crowd) and I know her voice too," the 54-year-old Australian told reporters. "She likes me to know where she is too, which is great.

"There are times when you're not feeling great and you can look over and she'll give you the thumbs up signal, button down or whatever signal it is we have that means you just refocus and get back into it.

"She loves to make sure everything is right around me, to make sure I'm going forward. She wants nothing more than to see me happy playing golf."

American Evert also caddied for her husband in Wednesday's pre-tournament, par-three championship.

NEAR MISSES