Shark Shootout Makes a Graceful Departure

The slight man from the stately home above the 13th fairway said he will miss the annual Franklin Templeton Shark Shootout, as will his wife, he said, the willowy blond with the long athletic golf swing.

They will miss the comings and goings of golf’s silly season, the couple of dozen recognizable players who drift through Hidden Valley for a week every year to play between the slate roofs and soft verandas at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.

Greg Norman, who introduced the event 11 years ago, will take the tournament to his own course in Miami beginning next year.

“From our point of view, obviously we’d love to have him have it here, because it’s a great event for the community,” said Wayne Gretzky, who played with wife Janet and PGA Tour player Scott Hoch in Wednesday’s pro-am.

“On the other side of it, people have to understand his wishes and what he feels is right. People have to realize how great it’s been here for everyone and just enjoy these next few days. It’s been a good deal for everyone.”

Norman said the reason for his departure lies with television, with CBS’ desire to show Sunday’s round live, rather than around its NFL football schedule.

Despite the decision, Norman said his relationship with Sherwood chairman David Murdock was unharmed. “We had a great tenure here,” Norman said. “There was a lot of money raised for worthy charities. From that standpoint, our relationship is still strong. I don’t have any regrets. Well, I do have regrets, because I do love it here.

“After 11 years, I think we can honestly say that David’s been good for the Shark Shootout and the Shark Shootout’s been great for David Murdock, as well. Unfortunately, we have to go on.”

In an attempt to replace the Shootout, Sherwood officials have held discussions with the Celebrity Players Tour, according to club general manager Alex Castenskiold.

If negotiations with the Celebrity Tour are successful, Sherwood’s most famous resident could play on the weekends rather than on Wednesdays.

Norman, along with partner Steve Elkington, is the event’s defending champion. Today’s first round, which begins at 10:25 a.m., is an alternate-shot format, Saturday’s second round is better-ball and Sunday’s final round is a scramble.

Twelve teams will play for a purse of $1.5 million.

The teams, in addition to Norman-Elkington: Fred Couples-David Duval, Chip Beck-John Daly, Corey Pavin-Steve Pate, Craig Stadler-Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw-Bruce Lietzke, Peter Jacobsen-John Cook, Andrew Magee-Jay Haas, Carlos Franco-Olin Browne, Scott McCarron-Hoch, Brad Faxon-Jeff Sluman and Duffy Waldorf-Glen Day.