Two-time Malaysian Open winner Gerry Norquist’s golfing career was defined by his time in Asia, both on and off the course. The popular American veteran shares memories of his time out east, during which he also served with the Asian Tour and as head coach of the Thai national team
If three out of your eight international professional wins came in a particular country, it’s safe to say that you have a strong affinity for said country.
That is certainly true for two-time Malaysian Open champion Gerry Norquist, who spent much of his professional career in the Far East. The popular American, now 57 years of age, came out to Asia in the early-1990s and plied his trade here for the next dozen years or so with great success.
Norquist won seven times in Asia between 1993 and 1999, including the 1995 Royal Perak Classic and two Malaysian Opens – the first at Royal Selangor in 1993 when it was still part of the old Asian circuit and he had to fight off Vijay Singh, and at Saujana in 1999 in the event’s first incarnation as a joint Asian Tour and European Tour event.
Norquist’s Asian adventure extended beyond playing on tour. He joined the Asian Tour in 2006 as senior vice president, a position he held with much distinction for two years. Then based in Bangkok, Norquist was appointed as coach of the Thai national team in 2009 and served successfully in that position until 2013. During that period, he coached many of the country’s current top professionals, including 2019 Asian Tour No 1 Jazz Janewattananond, three-time Asian Tour winner Poom Saksansin, former women’s World No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn and her sister Moriya.
After turning 50, Norquist competed on the European senior circuit for a few seasons with some measure of success. He now lives in Anthem, Arizona, with his Thai wife Banyen and their two young children. Norquist has two grown children from a previous marriage.
In this email interview, Norquist recalls his time in Asia and shares the significance of his two Malaysian Open wins.
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What did the Malaysian Open wins do for your career?
Gerry Norquist (GN): 1993 was huge for me as it was my first win in Asia. Going head-to-head over the weekend – and winning – against a world-class player like Vijay Singh gave me great confidence. That might have been my proudest moment as a pro!
1999 was special, not only because the win at Saujana was in the first ever co-sanctioned event with the European Tour and came with a two-year exemption there, but also because I was able to share it with my caddy Lachimaya who was with me in 1993 at RSGC (Royal Selangor Golf Cub). ‘Maya’ caddied many events in KL for me and became like a brother. I will always cherish his friendship and calm nature!
What are your fondest memories of playing in the Malaysian Open?
(GN): This question really carries on from the first because, without doubt, my best memory involves Maya! After the tournament at RSGC, in all the commotion and excitement, I made a mistake and gave the wrong stack of cash to Maya for his payment and then went on to interviews and celebrations. It was not until the next day at the bank that I realised my mistake.
With help from RSGC, we contacted Maya and he gracefully returned the overage so I could make things right with my sponsors. That money was going into college funds for Maya’s four children, so when we won in 1999 he was handsomely rewarded for his honesty and kindness. Maya taught me lessons in humility I can never repay!
As for golf memories, I suppose the final day at Saujana, paired with Ed Fryatt and Shaun Micheel, when I chose to tee off with 3-wood and lay up on the reachable but dangerous 13th hole and still made birdie, was a moment of pride. I played to my strengths and came out on top!
Are you happy that the tournament has returned after a four-year lapse?
(GN): I am happy for the Malaysian Golf Association and for Malaysian golf in general that the country’s national Open is back. I want a Malaysian to win this championship and there are genuine candidates to do so! There is a rich golf history in Malaysia and it needs to continue growing.
You also won the Royal Perak Classic in 1995. What is it about Malaysian courses and the environment that suit your game?
(GN): I don’t know what it was about Malaysia that brought the best out of me. I just always felt at ease and welcome by the Malaysian people … and my game clicked at the right time, I guess!
Brothers-in-arms – with former Asian Tour commissioner Kyi Hla Han
How are you keeping busy these days? Do you still compete?
(GN): I no longer play golf for a living but I do compete and I still love the game! I played a couple of US Senior Opens in 2012 and 2018 but I don’t travel like I used to. I stay very involved in the game in many ways and hopefully always will.
You coached the Thai national team for a few years. How gratifying is it for you to see players like Jazz, Ariya and Moriya now making waves on the pro tours?
(GN): I was truly blessed to be the coach of the Thailand national team that had several special players. Ariya is the best female golfer I have ever been around and Moriya is talented
and dedicated to being great. Jazz was a star in the making at such an early age and I am pleased he is on his way to a tremendous career.
I get the most gratification from the many other players I was involved with, even for a short time, who are achieving great things in golf. Players like Itthipat, Poom, Natipong, Rattanon, Pannakorn on the boys’ side, Jasmine, Pannarat, Chonlada, Yupaporn and so many others on the girls’ side – I am proud of them all!
You spent many years in Asia not just playing but also as part of the Asian Tour management. Do you miss Asia and, if given the chance, would you come back?
(GN): Helping run the Asian Tour was a fantastic experience that I never expected. I think we did great things breaking away as players to take control of the tour in 2004 and I believe we strengthened the tour by the time I moved on in 2008. I am proud to have been part of that!
I love Asia and return periodically, especially to Thailand where my wife is from. I’ll never say never to a return, if it makes sense!
