Norman confirms layoff until Open

Greg Norman confirmed that he won't appear in another tournament before the Open, preferring instead to play golf with his 13-year-old son.

The Open returns next month to the Carnoustie links in Scotland, where Australian Jack Newton lost a playoff to Tom Watson in 1975.

Norman said his three-week break has nothing to do with missing the cut at last week's U.S. Open, but wanting to spend more time with his family and further his business interests.

Norman was in Sydney today to reveal a joint venture of his Great White Shark Enterprises with Australian companies AMP and Macquarie Bank to develop residential areas around existing golf courses.

The 44-year-old Norman's extensive investments cover golf club manufacture, turf-grass research, course design and residential development.

"I probably get just as much enjoyment out of that as I do playing," he said. "I've already established a transformation in my business world back in 1993.

"I said by the year 2000 I want to be in a position to be able to make that step if I want to go away from the golf course. I don't see it diluting any more time for me to go out there and play the game of golf."

Norman said he has 17 courses under contract and 6-8 more under construction around the world.

AP