Leon Norgarb

Leon Norgarb
Country (sports) South Africa
Born(1926-04-09)9 April 1926
Pretoria, South Africa
Died2022 (2023) (aged 96)
Cape Town, South Africa
Singles
Grand Slam singles results
French Open2R (1951, 1952)
Wimbledon3R (1951)
Doubles
Grand Slam doubles results
Wimbledon2R (1952)
Grand Slam mixed doubles results
Wimbledon3R (1952)

Leon Norgarb (9 April 1926 – 2022) was a South African golfer and tennis player. He has the distinction of appearing in both a golf major and grand slam tennis tournament.[1]

Born in Pretoria, Norgarb was active on the tennis tour in the 1950s and became known for his powerful serve.[2] He competed in the main draw of both the French and Wimbledon Championships. His career included a sole Davis Cup match in 1951, when he partnered Eric Sturgess in a doubles rubber against Italy in Milan.[3] He won the singles title at the 1951 Swiss International Championships.[4]

Norgarb lived for a time with golfer Bobby Locke in London and on Locke's urging entered the qualifying tournament for The Open Championship, successfully making it into the main draw. He also once led the South African Open after the first day, as part of a field which included Gary Player.[2]

References

  1. ^ Wills, Mike (28 August 2023). "Memory serves – reflection of South Africa's proud track record at the US Open". Daily Maverick.
  2. ^ a b Gibbs, Herman (2 November 2022). "Tribute to tennis great". False Bay Echo.
  3. ^ "Eric Sturgess En Norgarb Deur Italianers Geklop". Die Transvaler (in Afrikaans). 21 May 1951. p. 8.
  4. ^ "Leon Norgarb Wen 22 Titels". Die Transvaler (in Afrikaans). 24 July 1951. p. 10.