By Mark Soltau
SportsLine Senior Writer

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Greg Norman has gotten off the mat more often than Jesse Ventura. There are so many fork holes in his body, you'd think he hangs with the devil. When it comes to major championships, he's a walking 10-count.

So guess who's flirting with the lead again at the Masters? The Shark.

Coming into the week, many considered the 44-year-old Norman a wounded anecdote. After missing the cut at Augusta National last year for the second consecutive time, he had surgery on his ailing left shoulder and spent the rest of season rehabbing.

Given the pain and disappointment he has endured, some expected the Shark to fade from the scene. Never mind his two British Open titles, the man has at least two runner-up finishes in the other three majors, and two defeats were dagger jobs.

In the 1986 PGA Championship, Bob Tway sunk a bunker shot on the 72nd hole to beat him. The following year at Augusta, Larry Mize knifed him with a 50-foot chip-in on the second hole of sudden death.

Norman has had more close shaves at Augusta National than the greens. He's been runner-up three times, most recently in 1996, when he blew a six-stroke lead Sunday and shot. 78.

To his credit, Norman has never made excuses or ducked the media, and has been an open-book of emotions. The charismatic Aussie, who some have called a "modern day'' Arnold Palmer, remains a huge fan favorite. He's blond, bold and doesn't have an ounce of body fat. He's also richer than God.

A long-time thrill seeker, Norman's toys include boats, planes, jet skis, cars, helicopters, anything faster than his feet. He had so many cars in 1996,Norman lost count of his Ferrari's.

"I've always enjoyed life,'' Norman said Friday, after shooting a 4-under-par 68, that left him three shots behind leader José Maria Olazábal. "And I approach it that way.''

What he really wants -- a green jacket -- money can't buy. Just to be in the hunt again is a testimony to his heart, hard work and talent.

"It feels great to be in this position,'' he said, sporting a golf hat that said 'Attack Life.' "Sunday's a long way away. I just want to enjoy it."

Norman watches his tee shot on 12 Friday. (Allsport)

Norman awoke at 6 a.m. to receive treatment on his shoulder, a twice-daily routine, nearly four hours before his starting time. He's not busting his tail just to be competitive, sign autographs or pay bills.

"If I had any doubt about my ability to play, I wouldn't be here,'' Norman said. "If I didn't think I could perform well enough to win any golf tournament, I'd gladly hang my clubs up. I wouldn't hesitate to stop.''

Based on his play the first two rounds, Norman could be a contender again Sunday. He's loose, focused, pain-free and has avoided unnecessary risks. For a change, has been a warm-up act for David Duval and Tiger Woods.

"I don't put a whole lot into that,'' Norman said of the latter. "Once you walk on the first tee, irrespective of the fanfare, you're either ready to play or you're not.

"I'm here to win. I'm just as big a killer on the golf course as I used to be because I want it. But at the same time, I've surrounded myself with the right things, and it takes a lot of pressure off. Golf is not everything.''

Norman said his life changed after the '96 collapse, the outpouring of support giving him a clearer view of the big picture and a new appreciation for people. As much as Norman loves the game, family and business come first.

For that reason, Norman feels no sense of urgency to win this week. In a sense, he's freewheeling it and doesn't feel added pressure. His locker is full of letters from well-wishers and his galleries have been supportive. On almost every hole Friday, spectators yelled, "Got get 'em, Greg!''

Norman likes attention and has always been a media darling, some of it unflattering. While hosting President Clinton for golf, the commander in chief took a spill and needed surgery to repair a knee injury.

In 1996, Norman consulted with motivational speaker Tony Robbins prior to the Masters and felt mentally euphoric and optimistic. It didn't last long, as his 6 over Sunday erased much of that.

"Haven't spoken to Tony Robbins in two years,'' said Norman, "and I haven't spoken to the President in quite a while. He's been a little busy.''

Though he could make a case, Norman doesn't think Augusta owes him anything and isn't a big believer in destiny. Either you play well enough to win or you don't.

However, there is no denying Norman has become the sentimental favorite. He's survived so many body punches, most golf fans are pulling for him.

"How do you determine that?'' Norman said. "From '96 or because I'm old?''

Norman laughed. Though he has nothing to prove, just being in contention must be tremendously satisfying.

Although he hasn't won an official event in two years, the feeling is still familiar. Should Norman find himself in the lead Sunday, he'll attack like a Shark.

"It's like riding a bike," he said. "If you get a chance to win, you're going after it.''