LOS ANGELES- Australian golf icon Greg Norman experienced a harrowing mid-air emergency last week when the windshield of his private jet shattered during a flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Florida, forcing pilots to make an emergency landing at LAX.
The 70-year-old World Golf Hall of Famer was traveling home to Palm Beach from the International Series Japan in Tokyo when the incident occurred approximately 15 to 20 minutes after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Norman Jet Makes Emergency Landing at LAX
On May 10, 2025, a private jet of Greg Norman took off from Los Angeles Airport, bound for Palm Beach, Florida (PBI). Norman was returning to his Palm Beach residence after participating in the International Series Japan tournament in Tokyo.
“We had been climbing out of LAX for around 15 to 20 minutes, so we were pretty high, when all of a sudden we heard this loud pop.”
Greg Norman told Australian Golf Digest in an exclusive interview following the incident
The unexpected sound signalled a serious problem as the aircraft’s windscreen shattered, requiring immediate action from the flight crew. The pilots executed an emergency protocol, performing an immediate descent and slowing the aircraft while notifying air traffic control of the situation.
According to Norman, his reaction to the situation was straightforward. “F–king land!.”
The private jet was forced to turn back to Los Angeles (LAX), where emergency response teams awaited its arrival on the tarmac. Norman confirmed that only he and the pilots were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
The incident highlights the importance of emergency protocols and professional response teams in aviation safety. Norman expressed gratitude to the flight crew and emergency personnel who managed the situation professionally.
The quick decision to return to LAX allowed ground teams to assess the aircraft and ensure everyone’s safety.
Despite the potential danger, Norman, the pilots, and all emergency responders escaped the incident without injuries. The golf legend’s calm demeanour throughout the emergency reflects his extensive experience with high-stress situations both on and off the golf course.
Norman’s Instagram Post
The golf star, known as “The Shark,” later shared details of the incident on Instagram, posting photos showing the cockpit windscreen cracked around the edges—a stark reminder of the dangers faced at high altitude.
“Inflight LAX – PBI loud pop = shattered windscreen,” Norman wrote in his post. “Only the second time in 40 years of private travel. Returned to LAX to the professionals to make sure all is ok. Thanks, all.”
In a remarkable display of calm, Norman appears smiling in another image alongside emergency responders, with fire trucks and other emergency vehicles visible in the background.
Norman’s History of Airborne Incidents
This isn’t the first time Norman has faced danger in the skies. The seasoned traveller revealed this incident represents just one in a series of airborne emergencies he has experienced over decades of flying.
“It’s certainly not my first rodeo with events like this,” Norman explained. “The last mid-air emergency I had was in my plane climbing at 30,000 feet and—BANG!—we dived to about 10,000 feet and slowed down.”
“I’ve had more interesting things, as much as I’ve flown over the years—lightning strikes, cabin fires, breaking the ceiling barrier to see the curvature of the earth, losing hydraulics after taking off from an aircraft carrier.”
Greg Norman
His adventures aren’t limited to fixed-wing aircraft. Norman also recalled a time when he was forced to make an emergency landing in his helicopter in an apple farm west of Sydney, Australia.
“Now you are talking helicopters—even more sh-t with that aircraft!” he remarked, maintaining his characteristic humour despite the gravity of such situations.
Greg Norman, at 70, remains an active figure in the golf world. Known for his 2 major championship victories and 91 professional wins, Norman has transitioned into business ventures and golf course design while maintaining his connection to international golf events.
This latest incident adds another chapter to Norman’s eventful life story—one that continues to unfold with the same resilience and determination that defined his playing career!
