Dream-builder and PGA champion Gregory John Norman (1955-) was born on this day in the copper mining town of Mt. Isa, Queensland, Australia. The bronzed, blond golfer started swinging his clubs at age 15 and turned pro in 1976.

"The way I take care of business is to surround myself with good people," he once said.

An avid outdoorsman, journalists nicknamed him "The Great White Shark," for his love of fishing and shark hunting. Known for his aggressive play and charismatic personality, Norman was the first PGA Tour player to surpass $10 million in earnings.

"Preparation, application, and dedication are essential in all aspects of life-- golf, family life, and business," said Norman, whose "dream foursome" would include George Bush Sr., Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, and Herbert Hoover.

With interests in golf club manufacturing, course design and development, and signature clothing, golf's most successful businessman continues to dominate the sport with his entrepreneurial spirit. He is also the host of the Franklin Templeton Shark Shootout, a charity fundraiser benefiting children with cancer.

"I'm a very intense person. When I go after something, I want to go after it with everything I have. I want to push myself to the edge," he said with passion.

"It's not the victories that count to me. It's the quality of how you deliver your losses and the quality of how you deliver your victories."

More GOLF Quotations

Hold fast to your dreams.