The world of golf has paid tribute to Australian golfing legend Norman Von Nida who passed away peacefully at the weekend aged 93.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Norman, one of the true great Australian golfing legends,” said PGA Tour of Australasia Chairman and European Tour Member Peter Senior.
“The Von was a pioneer of the game in Australia paving the way for many young golfers to follow in his footsteps overseas. His legacy to Australian golf and the esteem in which he is held has been perpetuated with the naming of the Von Nida Tour. He was a champion little bloke and we’ll miss him. Our hearts and condolences go out to his wife Elva and his family.”
Norman Von Nida was awarded life membership of the PGA Tour of Australasia in December 2005 by then Chairman Wayne Grady. At the time Grady said, ``It is a recognition that has been a long time coming. Every professional golfer in Australia has benefited from the contribution Norman has made to the professional game here.''
Legally blind but still playing golf into his 90’s using iridescent yellow paint on top of his clubs and iridescent yellow balls, Norman Von Nida won the Australian Open three times and was runner up six times between 1938 and 1955.
He also won four Australian PGA Championships amongst his many victories in Australia and worldwide and in 1948 he won seven tournaments on The European Tour and five in Australia, a feat never equaled.
He finished second on the 1946 European Order of Merit in his first attempt and returned home the following year topping the Australian Order of Merit, which he did on numerous occasions.
The Open Championship was in his sights and he led the event three times going into the final round. Although the title eluded him, it was his trailblazing wins in British tournaments just after World War II that inspired his fellow golfers and opened the way for the countless Australians who have followed his lead.
When he retired he had claimed more than 80 titles worldwide.
Norman Von Nida headlines such luminaries of Australian golf including Kel Nagle, Peter Thomson, Bill Dunk, Greg Norman, Ted Ball, Terry Gale, Jack Newton, Ian Baker-Finch, Graham Marsh and Bob Shearer as Life Members of the PGA Tour of Australasia.
He is survived by his wife Elva, daughter, Keiri, her husband Steven and grand-children. Holly, Tom, Beckett and Roendan.
