Golf is returning to the 2016 Olympics for a first time since 1904.

The China Golf Association has asked Norman to be the country’s advisory coach to the national golf team. The former long-time World No. 1 will help develop a golf program and identify China’s best players for the Games in Brazil.

Great White Shark Greg Norman appointed by China Golf Association to bring bite to their 2016 Olympic cause. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

Norman says he is honored to be the coach and that it was a culmination of his 35 years as an international player.

In his partnership with the China Golf Association, the two-time British Open champion will work to improve China’s standing in world golf even beyond the Olympics.

In addition to the Olympic initiative, Norman will work with the entire National Team to improve China’s standing in the world of competitive golf.

In doing so, Norman will work with a broader base of junior development programs that will reach players in every province of China.

“My appointment as the Advisory Coach is the culmination of my 35 years as an international player,” said Norman.”I’ve always advocated for the growth and accessibility of the game and look forward to working with the CGA to bring my experience and long-time support of junior golf to China.

“My role is not only to help prepare the China National Team for international competition, but to also teach social skills, etiquette, honesty and self-confidence in giving young Chinese golfers a pathway to their future as adults.”

The CGA has identified that Mr. Norman is uniquely qualified to offer these services, given the breadth of his experience as a tournament professional, his support of junior golf and his long-term commitment to the development of the sport of golf in China.

Norman will have his work cut out as China has currently just two players ranked inside the top-200 in the world and they are the 179th ranked Wu Ashun.  The next highest is 197th ranked Liang Wangchong and then you have to go to the 821st ranked Zhang Xin-jun.