Norman Sued by Video Company

Greg Norman faces a court battle in Florida after the company that make his One-on-One instructional videos issued a £6.5 million writ against him.

Norman has allegedly breached his agreement with Visual Edge Systems by refusing to make personal appearances on their behalf or talk with executives - while still demanding the use of chauffeur-driven limousines and private jets.

The 44-year-old Australian, who is conservatively estimated to be worth £100 million, also faces a challenge of alleged copyright infringement for launching a website, www.shark.com, which the company feels is 'confusingly similar' to their own www.theshark.com.

Norman, who became a part owner of Visual Edge Systems in 1995, agreed to make personalised instructional videos assessing clients' computer-analysed swings. But although he was paid £800,000 over three years, the relationship quickly soured as the firm's stock-market price in America plummeted from $13 a share to just 19 cents.

The company have not paid any new royalties to Norman and have received a notice of default from Great White Shark Enterprises which could result in termination of the licensing agreement. To compound Visual Edge Systems' problems, their chief financial officer Melissa Forzly resigned last week. Details of her resignation were not released, but the company does not expect to be able to quickly fill the vacant position.

Greg Norman responded to the lawsuit in a prepared statement: "Of course, it's too bad that it came to this, but since we re-negotiated the contract with them in February, they haven't complied with the contract and we had to give them a notice of default. This lawsuit has no merit.

"I have always been proud of the One-on-One product and look forward to working with new management for the success of the business."

Meanwhile, Norman's own premium white and red Australian wines are now on sale in the United States at $15 a bottle. The Greg Norman Estates 1998 Yarra Valley Chardonnay and 1996 Coonawarra Cabernet Merlot were introduced during a special event at The Medalist, the golf club he built and owns in Florida.

*Visitors to www.shark.com can have a game with Norman himself at The Medalist.

*The Greg Norman Collection's new autumn wear range is now available. Apart from sweaters, polo shirts and trousers, the range also includes fleeces for the first time. For further details, call 01772-736111.