Moe Norman: The Canadian Golfing Legend with the Perfect Swing

C.E. (Kit) Lefroy is director of the School of Sports Administration at
Laurentian University.

Murray (Moe) Norman (1929–2004) was inducted into the Canadian Golf
Hall of Fame in 1995.

Beginning with a description of a tobogganing accident in which
five-year-old Norman was seriously injured, this book traces the golfing
career of arguably the best ball striker in the history of golf. The
first three chapters describe the formative years of his life and his
famous golf swing, and explain how golf came to define who Moe Norman
was.

The Depression and his unprivileged social background marked Norman for
life. In spite of having remarkable skill, he rarely felt confident in
the company of others, and suffered greatly when in the public eye. The
author goes so far as to imply that his shyness could have been a factor
in Norman’s lack of success on the PGA tour where winning led to
attention from the press and public adulation.

On the course, Norman was a different person. The course was his
element. It was the only place where he believed he fit in and had
control of his destiny. One incident clearly illustrated the terror that
success could cause him to feel. After defeating Lyle Crawford to win
the 1955 Canadian Amateur Championship, he retreated to a secluded
hideaway on the riverbank and did not return to the clubhouse. His
opponent had to accept the trophy on his behalf.

Golf was Norman’s refuge but, because of his success, it was a source
of torment as well. In spite of this, Sauerwein leaves the impression
that if Norman were to live his life again, there is very little he
would change. This is an engaging read for any golfer, but most
especially Canadian golfers.