A shark was sighted yesterday, and that was not good news for the 66th Senior PGA Championship at Laurel Valley.

AP file photo Greg Norman

Greg Norman -- known as the Great White Shark -- had a 90-minute surgical procedure on his back at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital that is expected to keep the former two-time British Open champion from playing for nearly three months.

Norman, who turned 50 in February, was planning to make his first appearance in a Champions Tour event at the Senior PGA Championship, which is May 26-29 at Laurel Valley. But, after having a microsurgical discectomy that is designed to relieve nerve pressure to the thigh and foot, it is unlikely Norman will be able to make his senior tour debut in Western Pennsylvania.

"The doctor told him that would be an incredibly ambitious return," Norman spokesman Brian Stevens said from Jupiter, Fla. "But with Greg's physical condition and the commitment he makes to rehabilitation, I guess it's still a possibility, even though it's remote."

The procedure was performed by Dr. Joe Maroon, vice chairman of UPMC's department of neurological surgery and the Steelers' neurosurgeon.

Norman had the surgery in Pittsburgh because he has a working relationship with UPMC. He serves as senior adviser and ambassador for the UPMC Center for Sports Medicine and has worked with Dr. Scott Lephart to develop golf-specific programs in the biomechanics lab. Norman also established a fellowship to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Norman hasn't played since he withdrew after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic three weeks ago. Norman reinjured his back hitting a shot out of the rough on the 13th hole.

Norman declined comment after his surgery, but said in a statement, "I had a simple choice -- either retire from the game of golf or seek any and all available means to help relieve the pain that has kept me from performing at a level that suits my standards and, at the same time, improves the quality of my life."

GOLF