The Tarheel Tour Interview With Shaun Norris   

Shaun Norris recently won the Tarheel Tour's Southern Open at Cabarrus Country Club. In doing so he won $20,000, the biggest first prize in the history of the tour. He also set the all time scoring record of 20-under par for 54-holes at the event. Shaun is a native of Pretoria, South Africa and plays a worldwide schedule including events on the South African Sunshine Tour, the Euro-Pro Tour, and the Tarheel Tour. We caught up with Shaun after his victory at the Southern Open.

The Southern Open was your 21st Tarheel Tour event. You had never finished higher than tied for 11th in your two seasons on the tour. In the final round leading money winner William McGirt came out of the gate quickly, birdying three of the first four holes. What was going through your mind at that point?

Shaun Norris: I didn't know what to think. I know William's been playing well all season. He's been hitting the ball great. I got a fright when he did that. I just tried to recoup myself and try to hit the ball solid and try and make some birdies.

You took a one shot lead into Saturday's final round, the first time you have ever led going into a final round. What did you do on Friday night to get ready and did you have any problems sleeping?

Shaun Norris: No funny enough I didn't have any problems sleeping. I had a quiet dinner with the friends that I'm staying with. I just decided you know what, I'm not going to let it bother me. I'm just going to try and relax and have a normal evening. Have a good night's sleep and see how it goes on Saturday.

One of the hardest things to do in professional golf is to back up a really low round. You shot 63 in the first round, which was an amazing score. What were your expectations in round two?

sponsored links TITLEIST Learn about Titleist golf balls, golf clubs and accessories. BUSHNELL This is life, and this is how we magnify it.

 

Shaun Norris: I expected another low one. I actually told one of the guys that I'm staying with that I'm not scared of following up a good round with another good round. I try and feel the same way that I did the day before and I expect to go out there and play the same way I did the previous day. Luckily it all worked out.

You have always been known as a good ball striker who hits it a long way. Unfortunately you are also known, at times, to struggle with your short game, especially the putter. After finishing the week at 20-under par you obviously putted it much better. What have you been working on that has improved your short game, specifically your putting?

Shaun Norris: Over the last three weeks, I have gotten myself to the golf course a little bit earlier to practice a lot of short game and I think it is starting to pay off. I've been struggling with my putting since I've been back in the states, but I figured out something the day before the tournament. I was moving a little bit over the ball. I tried to keep as still as possible and I started rolling the ball better and I was hitting them online. I figured out a few things with the short game and the putting was definitely up to standard this week.

You are one of the few Tarheel Tour players that plays an international schedule. You play in Europe as well as on the Sunshine Tour in your native South Africa. What are the main differences between the golf courses in South Africa and the United States?

Shaun Norris: There are a lot of differences. The first thing is they have a different textured type of grass in South Africa. It's a lot lighter and thinner here in the United States. The conditions are a lot softer out here than what we're used to in South Africa. There are definitely a lot of things to get used to when I go from one to the other. Another big difference is the weather. In South Africa we're not used to having such high humidity and it being so damp outside. Everything's pretty much dry out in South Africa. It's hot, but it's a dry heat.

You have had a great couple of weeks. You made the first hole in one of your career at Spring Creek. Then at the Southern Open you shot the lowest three round total in the history of the Tarheel Tour, and in doing so won $20,000, the biggest first prize in the history of the tour. How do these last few weeks change your goals for the rest of the season? Where do you go from here?

Shaun Norris: Oh it's changed my life. I just try to come out here and improve. I try to get myself more consistent and become a better player. I have a lot of things to change. It made me realize that I'm capable of doing things that at this stage I didn't think would happen. I've had a rocky start to the season. Last year, coming over for the first time, I was trying to adjust to everything, get used to everything. I have achieved my goals a little bit earlier than I expected, so I'm setting my goals a little bit higher for the rest of the season. To maybe get another win or two would be great.

Thanks for your time Shaun. Good luck the rest of the way.

Shaun Norris: Thanks I appreciate it.