It was a truly special week for Greg Norman at the British Open last week.

Contending in a tournament he won twice, the 53-year-old Norman gave the golf tournament significance for more than what golfer wasn't in attendance at Royal Birkdale.

No matter how he played, Norman stood by the fact that the British was just a warm-up for the Senior British Open, but it looks as though his energy tank is getting fairly close to empty. Norman, playing with Tom Watson and everyone's favorite quitter, Sandy Lyle, shot a four-over 75 to find himself in an early tie for 71st.

On Wednesday, Norman admitted he was optimistic about this week at Royal Troon.

"Now, my expectations are good," Norman said. "I like the golf course. Remember my comment last week: 'I was using the British Open for a warmup to the British Senior Open' - should have been the other way round.

"So now I've warmed up, basically. OK, so now I've got to step up and, hopefully, I can do that over the next four or five days."

His score on Thursday can be attributed to a rough start, making six bogeys in his first 10 holes before getting it together and closing with two birdies. Currently, the 75 has him seven shots behind clubhouse leader Bruce Vaughan.

With Norman contemplating playing in the PGA Championship, an early exit on Friday might give him the proper time to rest before Oakland Hills. That or give him some time to beat the wifey in tennis.