Australian golf icon and entrepreneur Greg Norman has shared a raw tribute to his late father, Mervin.
Norman shared the news of his father’s passing on Instagram about 12am Wednesday, Australia time.
The 67-year-old won 89 professional tournaments during his golfing career, including 20 PGA Tour tournaments and two majors, and attributed his success on the green to his late father.
“When you lose that person, they are gone until you meet them again in a higher place,” he wrote in his heart-wrenching tribute.
“Dad, you were always there for me, drove me to be who I am, gave me the genes, mind, heart, soul and strength to achieve things I never expected myself and few have ever achieved.
“I am you in every way.”
Norman went on to describe the pivotal role Mervin played in the wider Norman family.
“You were our patriarch,” he wrote.
“We will meet again for me to fill you in with my final chapters of my life. I love you and miss you already.”
Norman’s son, Greg Norman Jr, also shared a touching tribute to his grandfather, describing Mervin as “a brilliant man”.
“Strong as you were Intelligent. You gave us an amazing foundation on how to live our lives,” he wrote.
“95-years-young. You will be missed dearly. Love you.”
Mervin is survived by Toini, his wife of 72 years, children Greg and Janis, and his grandchildren.
His father’s passing comes amid a turbulent year for Norman who is CEO of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf – an invitational golf series which has caused a rift in the global golfing community.
The series faced fierce resistance from established PGA Tour and European Tour organizations, with players who joined the series suspended from other tours.
LIV Golf has also been subject to criticism over its financial backing by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
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