Australian Von Nida dies at age 93

SYDNEY, May 20 (Reuters) Norman Von Nida, one of Australia's pioneer professional golfers, died today aged 93, Australian media reported.

Von Nida had been ill for some time and passed away peacefully at a nursing home, his family told Australian Associated Press.

Von Nida won more than 80 tournaments around the world during a career spanning the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

He won the Australian Open three times and was the first Australian to win regularly on the European tour, although he never landed a major championship.

His best result was finishing third in the British Open, in 1946 and 1958. In 1946, he came second on the European Order of Merit and in 1948 he won 12 titles, seven in Europe and five in Australia.

Von Nida also forged a successful career as a coach, guiding the likes of five-times British Open winner Peter Thomson and influencing former world number one Greg Norman.

Despite losing his eyesight, Von Nida possessed a sixth sense for the sport.

At the 1998 Australian Open, Von Nida helped repair a fault in Nick Faldo's technique after he noticed, through listening, that the Englishman was gripping his clubs too tightly.

The tip paid off immediately for Faldo. After shooting a 77, he returned the next day with a 69.

Two years ago, the Australasian PGA named their secondary tour after Von Nida in recognition of his contribution to developing young players.

REUTERS AKD KP1630