The recently completed RBC Canadian Open, while consistently producing compelling storylines, also comes with the annual Moe Norman tribute.

Murray “Moe” Norman, often dubbed the “Rain Man of Golf,” remains one of the most compelling figures in the annals of sports history. Known for his unconventional methods, unparalleled precision, and a personality as unique as his swing, Norman’s legacy shines as brightly as the trophies he earned. His journey, marked by triumphs, challenges, and groundbreaking contributions to golf, has transformed him into a legend whose story deserves to be told and retold.

I was one of the fortunate few that saw Moe on many occasions up close and personal.  I worked for Natural Golf: the instruction company charged with teaching Moe’s unique swing to the public.  I got to see and hear not just his swing but the man.  Multiple articles have been written about Moe over the years.  Most have been about his technique and how to learn it.  There have been a handful written about Moe’s life.  There have even been several mini documentaries including Todd Grave’s “The Feeling of Greatness.”

No…this is not an instruction column.  It is another chance to shine a light on a man that, in his lifetime, was underappreciated to say the least.

Stories of Moe’s prowess, at times, sound apocryphal but they are in fact true.

Yes, Moe one time played a hole by teeing off with a wedge on a par 4 then proceeded to hit a driver off the deck onto the green only because, on the tee box, he was told the hole called for a driver then wedge.

Yes, Moe shot 59 THREE TIMES in competition.

Yes, Moe won back-to-back Canadian Amateur Championships in 1955 and 1956.

Yes, Moe did purposely aim for a bridge over a creek he could not carry.  Rather than laying up as other players were doing, Norman hit the bridge and landed on the other side of the creek.

Yes, Moe purposely three putted on the last hole of tournament to finish second so he wouldn’t have to talk to the press.

Yes, Moe hit over 1,000 drivers in a 7-hour exhibition that all landed within 30 feet of each other.

Speaking of exhibitions, given Moe’s debilitating shyness, one might assume that he would avoid doing them.  In reality, while he was never completely keen on the idea, once he got on the range, he charmed fans better than any internet content creator of today.

He would have been a hit with the Good Good Guys.

Moe’s professional career, while mostly in Canada, caught the attention not only of fans but fellow golf professionals.  Lee Trevino once famously said, “Those of us in golf knew Moe was a legend.”

It wasn’t his wins that made fellow competitors stop on the range, it was his swing.  Characterized by its simplicity, repeatability, and precision, his “single plane” swing defied conventional golfing norms.

He could hit the ball straight, time after time, with clockwork consistency. His remarkable accuracy earned him the nickname “Pipeline Moe.”

His swing became his signature, and though it defied convention, it produced results that amazed everyone that witnessed it, including me.

Norman often explained that his approach eliminated unnecessary variables, allowing him to replicate the same shot over and over again.

It has been over 20 years since his death at age 75, shortly after suffering a heart attack.  For a while, Moe’s legacy was celebrated by many in the golf profession.  Today, like many things of the later 20^th century, his relevance seems to be diminishing.

While players like Tiger Woods and Mike Weir still recognize Moe’s greatness, I would bet most of the younger players on tour would not know about Moe.

That is a shame.

Golfers can learn more than just Moe’s swing on the internet, they can learn about the man.  A man that found success doing this his way.  A man that struggled with anxiety, shyness and multiple idiosyncrasies that led many to believe he was on the spectrum.

Norman also faced financial hardships over his life multiple times. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, carving out a niche for himself as a golfing icon. His resilience and commitment to his craft inspired countless individuals, both on and off the course.

So, I invite you to look up the story of Moe Norman.  Keep his legacy alive more than just once a year when the RBC Canadian Open in played.