Thread: The Great White Shark

Veteran golfer Greg Norman was given a police warning for talking on his mobile while driving - but avoided a fine after explaining he was taking a message from his new wife, British media reports.

The Australian legend - who married tennis great Chris Evert last month - was on his way to practise for the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale on Merseyside, northwest England, when he was caught yesterday, British media said. "I told the officer two things. First that I did not realise it was an offence to use a cell phone while driving, and second that I had only been on it for 30 seconds to take a quick message from my wife,'' the 53-year-old said. "To be fair, he was very understanding but said that he had to go through all the paperwork. He gave me a caution but there was no fine or anything like that,'' he said. "Effectively, I was slapped on the wrist and told not to do it again''.

Using a hand-held mobile while driving was outlawed in Britain in 2003, and under new prosecution guidelines this year offenders can face up to two years in jail. Norman - nicknamed the Great White Shark - teed off on the Birkdale links overnight. Despite the police incident, which held him up for 40 minutes while a policeman filled in a detailed report form, the golfer managed to see the funny side. "It was a bit ridiculous. The guy knew who I was but he had to put in a full description of my clothing. "So he had to write in the box: Greg Norman Collection golf cap, Greg Norman Collection black golf shirt, Greg Norman Collection beige golf trousers. The policeman said it was in case I got stopped again. "But believe me I'm not going to risk it,'' he said.