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Thursday, Apr. 8 7:24pm ET Look ahead: Norman on the loose 
By John Marvel ESPN Golf Online
AUGUSTA, Ga. - The look was back. The stare from Greg Norman's eyes as he followed his ball toward the 16th green spoke volumes. A perfect 6-iron was flying toward the flagstick on the 170-yard par-3, and as it stuck two feet from the hole, a satisfied look came over the weathered face of a man who has had a bittersweet love affair with The Masters and Augusta National Golf Club.
Nearly a year ago, shoulder surgery put Norman on the shelf and created doubt whether he would ever play again, let alone reach a level where he would once again be one of the traditional favorites heading into the first men's major championship of the year. Yet here was, making a move to the leaderboard and getting into position to take another run at the tournament that has always haunted his flamboyant career.
Going into the Friday's second round of the 63rd Masters, Greg Norman is lurking again. After a 1-under 71, he is just two shots behind the leaders. It was a strong return to Augusta and one of his better opening efforts, a surprise since everyone seemed to have forgotten him as they looked at pre-tournament favorites.
"I liked it better the other way when I was playing better," Norman laughed after his round. "But I put the same kind of effort coming into this week as I did in the past. I think it was a good effort for the first day."
Norman missed a four-foot birdie attempt on the 18th, but even that didn't seem to dampen his spirits. He played solid golf from tee to green, and his iron play was particularly impressive. He also seemed to remain calm in adverse situations, especially when he flew his approach shot at the par-4 17th over the green.
"It was a good day's work," he said. "It was a fairly stable, good, solid and consistent round. I got it up and down at the right times and converted some key situations. Anytime you get off to a good start, it's a good feeling. Anytime you get around par here, it's a good solid feeling."
Norman wasn't the only one pleased with Thursday's effort. The course changes, added rough and windy conditions played havoc with the field, and the three-way tie at 3-under kept nearly everyone in the race for the green jacket.
What happens Friday depends once again on the weather and how the final groups from Thursday's suspended play finish. Nick Price was at 3-under with a hole to play, while David Duval and Stewart Cink were at 1-under - Duval standing on the 18th tee; Cink on the 15th.
Players to watch Friday
There's a chance Price could hold the lead outright if he birdies the 18th, which would be a huge boost to his confidence. Although he continues to hit the ball well from tee to green, his putting woes have kept him from adding more majors to the three already on his resume. If he can continue to handle Augusta's difficult greens, he has to be considered one of the favorites during the next three days.
Duval struggled Thursday, making three consecutive bogeys at Amen Corner. But the pre-tournament favorite still was at 1-under, and a night's rest might put the disaster far out of mind. He's still very much in this thing.
Others to look at:
What's up with the weather?
"If it rains, this becomes a completely different golf course," Norman said. "If it rains, it will allow us to come out and be very aggressive, which would give us some low scores. If not, expect more of the same."
Holes to watch
Which non-senior has no chance?
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