The duo worked together for 12 years, during which they scored 20 tournaments in their bag. That was not all; Greg also served his longest period as the world’s No. 1 alongside Tony. Norman was never a ‘yes man;’ he always appreciated some constructive criticism and gave Tony liberty to do so.
Tony Navarro’s wife, Sarah, had given birth to their second daughter, Megan, in early 2000. Megan was rushed to the hospital just days after her birth and diagnosed with a rare poisoning. Sarah called Norman and informed him about the whole situation. According to an article on Shark.com, she told Norman, “I think you need to send Tony home. Megan is in the hospital and the doctors don’t know if she’s going to make it.”
After hearing the news, Norman, in no time, put Tony on the flight to Moline and sent him back home. Megan was kept in the hospital for a month to cure her botulism. While telling this story, Navarro was overwhelmed with emotion.
Navarro said, “Greg called every single day, sometimes twice a day.” Navarro had no insurance, but Greg made sure that he didn’t have to worry about that. Opening up about the whole situation, Navarro said, “I never saw one bill. Greg took care of everything.”
While the couple were struggling to keep their baby alive, Greg was there every step of the way. Navarro told, “We were just trying to keep her alive. Greg really stood up and showed me what he was made of.” Megan, today, is healthy and has turned 22 now.
Norman and Navarro did not only share a professional relationship. Unlike most player-caddie relationships, they were friends, and Norman treated him as such. And after what Norman did for Tony’s family, it just got better. If that was the test of time, then Norman surely passed with flying colors.
In an interview about Greg, Navarro called him a perfectionist. He said, “Greg was very intense, very hard working. A perfectionist.” Truly, their relationship serves as an inspiration for many. It shows the mutual respect that players and caddies should have for one another.