Question: How do you feel about this year's Merrill Lynch Shootout pairings? Greg Norman: Assembling the teams for this event is a fun exercise, and this year it was a pretty simple task. When you start with 24 marquee players that have such great personalities it makes it easy to find pairs that will mesh well together. Personally, I am looking forward to partnering with Nick for the first time in a team competition. I know we will have a good time and maybe we will find some magic. There really is a story for every pairing, which makes this event special. Leonard and Verplank are close friends. Faxon and Henry have New England ties. Daly and Holmes hit it a mile and will certainly get people's attention. And then top things off with Annika and Fred. It doesn't get much better than what we have assembled this year!
Question: Think it's possible to top last year's dramatic finish?
Greg Norman: The Shootout is all about birdies and eagles, so the outcome always seems to be in question until the final group reaches the 18th hole Sunday. I don't think 2006 will be any different. Here's an early prediction: It wouldn't surprise me if the South Africans (Trevor Immelman and Rory Sabbatini) are at the top of the leaderboard. They partnered well a few years back in winning the World Cup! That having been said, it is difficult to pick a favorite when there are so many strong partnerships.
Question: How will Merrill Lynch's involvement change the event?
Greg Norman: I have been tremendously pleased with this event since its inception, and we have been truly blessed through the years with the corporate partners we have been aligned with. However, I honestly believe we have taken the most significant step forward since establishing a partnership with Merrill Lynch. They have demonstrated a willingness to go the extra mile in terms of dedication, commitment and investment of resources to truly showcase this event for what it is - a wonderful departure from the week in and week out grind of the PGA Tour and an opportunity to raise much-needed funds and resources for CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation.
Question: What was the deciding factor in the selection of Annika's partner?
Greg Norman: We considered a number of scenarios before deciding on Freddie as Annika's partner. Let me first say that I received a bunch of calls and e-mails from players in the field that specifically wanted to play with her. At the same time, I wanted Annika to give me her input. Honestly, it came down to either Freddie or myself, and we went with Annika and Freddie and Faldo and I because we thought that would generate the most interest and media attention. Said differently, we thought those pairings would be the best for the event. |
Tickets for the 18th annual Merrill Lynch Shootout are on sale now! As the Shootout returns to Naples for its sixth straight year, Southwest Florida golf fans will now have five great ticket options to choose from.