Golf-Open-Memories of 1986 still vivid for veteran Norman

By Tony Jimenez

TURNBERRY, Scotland, July 15 (Reuters) - Former world number one Greg Norman returns this week to the scene of one of the finest rounds of his career with memories of his first British Open title sharply etched in his mind.

The Australian equalled the lowest score in a major when he defied difficult conditions at Turnberry in 1986 to shoot a seven-under-par 63 in the second round before going on to triumph by five strokes.

"Everybody still talks about it," Norman told reporters on Wednesday. "I drove the ball exceptionally well, that was one of my fortes in my heyday.

"I didn't have a problem just pulling my driver out and playing the golf course aggressively. I manoeuvred the ball very well, it was one of my better rounds."

Norman took the sporting world by storm l2 months ago. A part-time golfer aged 53, he overshadowed the game's best players by taking a two-stroke lead after the third round at Royal Birkdale only to fade to equal third on the last day.

Asked if he could repeat his outstanding 2008 performance again this year, he replied: "To tell you the honest truth, I wish I could sit here and say yes or no.

"It's not the fact I don't feel good about myself or my game, it's just I don't know."

Norman, who also won the 1993 British Open at Sandwich, said he was particularly looking forward to the 2010 edition of the championship at the 'home of golf'.