Greg Norman praises nine-year-old golf prodigy Jonathan Hong

Golf legend Greg Norman says he can’t wait to see Sydney golfing prodigy Jonathan Hong playing in person. The former world number one says he sees a great future ahead for the nine-year-old, who is currently playing off scratch.

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Golf legend Greg Norman says he can’t wait to see Sydney golfing prodigy Jonathan Hong playing in person.

Norman, a two-time British Open champion and former world number one, has personally given the nine-year-old some words of wisdom.

The 64-year-old said the Barnwell Park Golf Club member has a lot of promise after viewing videos of his swing.

Greg Norman is impressed by Sydney golf prodigy Jonathan Hong. Picture: Michael O'Bryon

Jonathan Hong, a member of Barnwell Park Golf Club, now plays off scratch. Picture: Brett Costello

“I am just impressed by young kids like Jonathan and he has obviously got an incredible amount of passion for the game,” Norman said.

“I was enamoured by the story and wanted to reach out to him.

“If I can offer some help or advice to help him being successful, I am extremely happy to do that.

“If he stays free of white noise and plays golf simply and easily he’s going to be a good player for sure.”

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The Sunday Telegraph revealed on February 3 that the Newington kid was playing off scratch.

The lower a golfer’s handicap, the better golfer they are. Scratch is when a player requires no handicap assistance to shoot a par round.

Major winners Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Australian Jason Day all got to scratch at age 13.

Norman was 18 when he reached scratch — although he only took up at game at age 16.

Since February 3, Jonathan’s handicap has dropped again, from 0.1 to 0.

Jonathan Hong’s coach Chris Willard believes Jonathan is better than Tiger Woods was at age nine. Picture: Brett Costello

Changes to the handicapping system in 2014 made it easier for Australian players to get to scratch, however experts say the feat is still incredible.

“Continue to play with a free mind, chase your dreams with passion and try to eliminate any white noise that can at times, be distracting,” Norman said in an email to Jonathan.

“Hopefully one day I can watch you in person.”

Norman is based in South Florida and has played a number of rounds with US President Donald Trump.

Jonathan Hong practises his swing at the Barnwell Park Golf Club in Five Dock. Picture: Brett Costello

He said the US government shutdown has kept the President in Washington DC for much longer than he would normally be.

This may be a reason why Mr Trump had a $50,000 golf simulator installed in the White House at his own expense.

“He normally gets down here on a regular basis,” Norman said.

“I would expect between now and April, May that you will probably see more of him.

“He has got a busy agenda. I’ve got a busy agenda. If it happens, fantastic, I would love to catch up with him.”