Norman Von Nida


Norman Guy Von Nida was an Australian professional golfer.

Early life and amateur career

Von Nida was born in Strathfield and grew up in Brisbane. He won the 1932 Queensland Amateur aged just 18.

Professional career

In 1933, Von Nida turned professional. He became one of Australia's finest professional golfers and the first Australian to win regularly on the British PGA circuit. In 1946, he travelled to Britain for the first time and finished second on the Order of Merit; in 1947, he returned and won seven tournaments and topped the Order of Merit. He was renowned for his short temper – at a tournament in 1948 he became involved in an argument with future U.S. Ryder Cup player Henry Ransom that resulted in the local sheriff having to pull them apart, and he was also known to hurl his putter into the undergrowth after missing putts, on occasions breaking or even losing them mid-round.
The PGA Tour of Australasia's developmental tour is named the Von Nida Tour after him.

Personal life

Von Nida died in a Gold Coast, Queensland nursing home, aged 93.

Awards and honors

Von Nida was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 1985 Australia Day Honours for "service to the sport of golf."

Amateur wins

  • 1932 Queensland Amateur

Professional wins (48)

Results in major championships

Tournament1950195119521953195419551956195719581959
Masters TournamentT27T2743
U.S. OpenCUT
The Open ChampionshipT20WDT9T35CUT

Note: Von Nida never played in the PGA Championship.
NT = no tournament
CUT = missed the half-way cut
WD = withdrew
"T" indicates a tie for a place

Team appearances