Rainmaker: Why I was Sacked by Both Tiger Woods and Greg Norman
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional golf, one figure stands out amid the chaos: Superagent Hughes Norton. “Rainmaker,” the captivating memoir penned by Norton and acclaimed writer George Peper, offers readers a compelling journey through the highs and lows of the golf world, from the meteoric rise of star players to the seismic shifts brought…
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional golf, one figure stands out amid the chaos: Superagent Hughes Norton. “Rainmaker,” the captivating memoir penned by Norton and acclaimed writer George Peper, offers readers a compelling journey through the highs and lows of the golf world, from the meteoric rise of star players to the seismic shifts brought about by the controversial LIV Golf league.
Two decades ago, Norton commanded attention in the golfing realm, earning the moniker of “the most powerfully hated agent in sports.” Yet, following his tumultuous departure from IMG and subsequent years of relative obscurity, Norton found himself on the sidelines, a forgotten figure in the game he once dominated. However, fate intervened when a podcast appearance reignited interest in his remarkable story, culminating in the creation of “Rainmaker.”
For Norton, the PGA Tour-LIV controversy provided the perfect backdrop to share his insights. With both Tiger Woods and Greg Norman, central figures in the drama, having been former clients of his, Norton possessed a wealth of firsthand experiences to draw upon. “Who knew these guys better than their agent for all those years?” Norton muses, reflecting on the serendipitous convergence of events that propelled his memoir into fruition.
“Rainmaker” delves deep into Norton’s tenure as a golf agent to the stars, managing luminaries such as Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Tom Watson, and Nancy Lopez, among others. Drawing parallels to the fictional character Bob Sugar from “Jerry Maguire,” Norton offers an authentic portrayal of his rollercoaster career, replete with triumphs and tribulations.
Co-author George Peper masterfully structures the narrative, guiding readers through Norton’s ascent to prominence and subsequent fall from grace. However, it’s Norton’s candid revelations about his famous clients, particularly Tiger and Norman, that steal the spotlight. The chapter dedicated to Tiger Woods, starting on page 157, has become a focal point for readers, captivating them well past their bedtime.
In a recent conversation with Golfweek, Norton pulls no punches, offering unfiltered insights into his book and the personalities that shaped his career. With Peper’s expert guidance, Norton lays bare the inner workings of the golfing elite, providing readers with an intimate glimpse into a world often shrouded in secrecy.
“Rainmaker” stands as a testament to resilience and redemption, a must-read for golf enthusiasts and aficionados alike. As Norton’s gripping narrative unfolds, readers are transported into a realm where ambition clashes with integrity, and where success exacts a heavy toll. Through it all, Norton emerges not just as a witness to history but as a pivotal player in the game of golf’s enduring legacy.