Greg Norman & Laura Andrassy: The $103 Million Golf Divorce
The Great White Shark's 26-year marriage ended with one of the largest sports divorce settlements ever recorded.
Key Facts
What Happened
Greg Norman, known as 'The Great White Shark,' was one of golf's most dominant players and shrewdest businessmen. His marriage to American flight attendant Laura Andrassy lasted 26 years, during which Norman built a business empire that extended far beyond golf into course design, wine, clothing, and real estate. When the couple separated in July 2007, the ensuing divorce would produce one of the largest settlements in sports history.
The split was precipitated by Norman's relationship with former tennis star Chris Evert, whom he began dating shortly after his separation from Andrassy. Norman and Evert had known each other socially for years, and their romance became public almost immediately after his separation announcement. The tabloid attention intensified the divorce proceedings, though both parties ultimately reached an out-of-court settlement.
According to a three-page document approved by Judge Elizabeth Metzger, Andrassy received a settlement totaling $103 million. The breakdown included a $50 million immediate payment, $30.2 million spread over 15 years, $17.5 million from the sale of their Jupiter Island home called 'Tranquility,' $4 million from the sale of a Palm Beach property, $466,000 from a retirement account, and $500,000 in jewelry. She also kept the Range Rover she drove.
Adding to the financial provisions, the settlement stipulated that upon Norman's death, his children Greg Jr. and Morgan would have a legal claim to all of his golf trophies and an additional $103 million in cash. Ironically, Norman's subsequent marriage to Chris Evert lasted only 15 months before they too divorced in 2009. The case illustrates the enormous financial exposure that comes with long-term marriages where one spouse builds a business empire during the union.
Legal Breakdown: Long-Term Marriage Asset Division
Equitable Distribution of a Business Empire
Norman's wealth was not just in cash and investments but spread across a complex network of businesses including Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Greg Norman Collection clothing, and wine ventures. Valuing and dividing these illiquid assets required forensic accounting and business valuations that contributed to the $103 million final figure.
Structured Settlement Payments
Rather than requiring Norman to liquidate businesses or assets immediately, the settlement was structured with a large upfront payment followed by $30.2 million in installments over 15 years. This approach protected Norman's business operations while ensuring Andrassy received guaranteed future income.
Posthumous Provisions
The unusual provision granting Norman's children rights to his golf trophies and an additional $103 million upon his death demonstrates how divorce settlements can include estate planning elements. This protected the children's interests regardless of Norman's future marriages or financial decisions.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Long-term marriages where one spouse builds a business empire during the union typically result in larger settlements due to the non-earning spouse's contributions.
- →Structured settlement payments can protect business assets while ensuring fair compensation for both parties.
- →Divorce settlements should include provisions for children's inheritance rights, especially when future marriages are likely.
- →Rushing into a new relationship during divorce proceedings can complicate negotiations and increase public scrutiny.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.