Sir Nick Faldo is a highly acclaimed retired English golfer, celebrated as one of the all-time greats. His exceptional career boasts an impressive 41 professional wins, including six major championships - three Open Championships and three Masters Tournaments. He held the top spot in the Official World Golf Ranking for 97 weeks. Faldo is also recognized for his work as a television commentator, sharing his expert insights with audiences.
1914: Legacy of Major Championship Wins
Nick Faldo holds a significant place in golf history, having won more major championships than any European golfer since World War I. Only Harry Vardon, with seven major wins between 1896 and 1914, surpasses Faldo's record. Additionally, Faldo is one of only two golfers outside the United States, the other being Gary Player, to win more major championships.
July 1957: Birth of Nick Faldo
Nick Faldo, widely regarded as one of golf's greatest players, was born in July 1957.
1957: Early Life and Family Background
Nick Faldo was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England, in 1957. His father, George Faldo, worked as an accountant.
1965: Matching Nicklaus's Feat
Faldo's consecutive Masters victories in 1989 and 1990 matched the remarkable feat accomplished by Jack Nicklaus in 1965-66.
1970: British Open Hopes Dashed
Faldo narrowly missed the opportunity to become the first British player since Tony Jacklin in 1970 to hold both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship simultaneously.
1971: Discovering Golf
At the age of 14, Faldo's passion for golf ignited while watching Jack Nicklaus compete in the 1971 Masters on television.
November 1974: Early Amateur Success
Faldo's amateur golfing career began to flourish, but his successes came too late to earn a place in the Walker Cup in November 1974.
November 1975: Representing Great Britain
Faldo's talent earned him a spot representing Great Britain in the Commonwealth Tournament in South Africa in November 1975.
1975: Failed to Qualify for Open Championship
As an amateur golfer in 1975, Nick Faldo was unable to qualify for the Open Championship.
1976: Turning Professional
Making a significant career move, Faldo turned professional in 1976 and joined the European Professional Golfers Association.
1977: Early European Tour Success
Faldo's professional career got off to a strong start with a top-ten finish on the Order of Merit in 1977. He also became the youngest Ryder Cup player at the age of 20.
1978: Continued Success on Tour
Faldo continued to impress on the European Tour, securing a third-place finish on the Order of Merit in 1978.
1979: First Marriage
At the age of 21, Nick Faldo married Melanie Rockall in 1979. The marriage ended in divorce within five years.
1979: Seve Ballesteros's Rise to Prominence
From 1979 to 1988, Seve Ballesteros emerged as a dominant force in professional golf, securing an impressive five major victories. This period marked his rise to prominence and cemented his legacy as a golfing legend.
1980: First Sun Alliance PGA Championship
Faldo's winning ways continued as he secured his first Sun Alliance PGA Championship victory in England in 1980.
1981: Consecutive Sun Alliance PGA Championship
Demonstrating his consistency, Faldo achieved consecutive Sun Alliance PGA Championship victories in 1981.
1982: Second Open Championship and Multiple Major Wins
Adding to his impressive resume, Faldo won his second Open Championship in 1990, becoming the first golfer since Tom Watson in 1982 to win two majors in the same year.
1983: Order of Merit Triumph
Faldo reached the pinnacle of the European Tour by topping the Order of Merit in 1983, a testament to his exceptional performance.
1984: Overcoming Setbacks
Following a period of setbacks and swing changes, Faldo's victory at the 1987 Peugeot Spanish Open marked a significant turning point in his career.
1986: Second Marriage
Nick Faldo married Gill Bennett in 1986. The couple had three children together: Natalie, Matthew, and Georgia.
May 1987: Rebuilding His Swing
In May 1987, Faldo's dedication to improving his game was evident as he won the Peugeot Spanish Open after undergoing a swing rebuild under the guidance of David Leadbetter.
July 1987: First Major Championship
In July 1987, Faldo achieved a career-defining moment by winning his first major championship at The Open Championship at Muirfield, showcasing remarkable composure under pressure.
1987: Faldo's First Major Win
In 1987, Faldo achieved a significant milestone by winning his first major championship at The Open Championship at Muirfield.
1987: Faldo's Open Championship Win and Azinger's Errors
Nick Faldo won the 1987 Open Championship, benefiting from mistakes made by Paul Azinger in the final two holes. This victory contributed to the perception that Faldo's opponents' errors under pressure contributed to his success in major tournaments.
1987: Dominance in Professional Golf
From 1987 through 1996, Nick Faldo reigned supreme in professional golf, securing more major tournament victories than any other player globally. His six major wins during this period eclipsed his rivals, solidifying his status as a true icon of the sport. Nick Price followed with three major wins, while Seve Ballesteros had achieved five major wins between 1979 and 1988.
1987: Faldo's Composure and Swing Changes
In 1987, Nick Faldo's composure was on full display during his final round of 18 consecutive pars at the Open Championship. However, commentator Peter Alliss observed that Faldo's swing remodel in the mid-1980s, while reducing mistakes, also diminished some of the flair in his game.
1988: U.S. Open Playoff Loss
Faldo's quest for a second major title came close at the 1988 U.S. Open, but he fell short in an 18-hole playoff against Curtis Strange.
1988: Faldo Appointed MBE
Nick Faldo was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 1988 New Year Honours for his significant contributions to golf.
1988: Faldo and Strange's Tense Playoff
The 1988 U.S. Open saw a tense playoff between Nick Faldo and Curtis Strange, characterized by minimal interaction and intense focus. Strange later recounted the experience, highlighting Faldo's intimidating presence.
1988: End of Ballesteros's Dominant Run
The year 1988 marked the end of Seve Ballesteros's dominant run, during which he had secured five major victories since 1979. This period showcased his exceptional skills and solidified his status as a golfing legend.
1989: Second Major Championship
Faldo's exceptional putting skills were on full display at the 1989 Masters, where he secured his second major championship victory after a sudden-death playoff.
1989: Faldo's First Masters Victory
In 1989, Faldo clinched his first Masters title after a sudden-death playoff, showcasing his exceptional putting skills.
1989: Faldo's Masters Win and Opponents' Mistakes
Nick Faldo secured his first Masters victory in 1989 after Scott Hoch missed a short putt. This sparked a debate about whether Faldo's opponents' errors under pressure played a significant role in his major wins.
1989: Faldo Named BBC Sports Personality of the Year
Nick Faldo was honored as BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1989, recognizing his achievements in golf and his impact on the sporting world.
1989: European Tour Player of the Year
Nick Faldo was recognized for his exceptional performance in 1989 by being named the European Tour Player of the Year. This accolade highlighted his dominance and impact on the European golf scene.
1990: Faldo's Open Championship Win and Norman's Performance
In the 1990 Open Championship, Nick Faldo's victory was solidified by Greg Norman's third-round score of 76, contrasting with Faldo's impressive 67. This further fueled discussions about the impact of opponents' mistakes on Faldo's success.
1990: PGA Tour Player of the Year and European Tour Recognition
The year 1990 marked a high point in Nick Faldo's career, earning him the prestigious title of PGA Tour Player of the Year. This recognition solidified his status as one of the world's best golfers. In addition, he was once again honored as the European Tour Player of the Year, showcasing his consistent excellence.
1990: Near Miss at the U.S. Open
Despite a strong performance at the 1990 U.S. Open, Faldo narrowly missed out on a playoff by a single stroke, finishing tied for third place.
1990: Back-to-Back Masters Titles
In a historic achievement, Faldo became the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1965-66 to win back-to-back Masters titles, solidifying his status as a golfing legend.
1990: Dobereiner's Assessment of Faldo
In 1990, golf writer Peter Dobereiner described Nick Faldo as being intensely focused on achieving technical perfection in his golf game.
1990: Back-to-Back Masters Champion
Faldo etched his name in golf history in 1990 by winning back-to-back Masters titles, a feat not accomplished since Jack Nicklaus in 1965-66.
1991: Faldo Launches Golf Course Design Firm
In 1991, Nick Faldo established Faldo Design, his golf course design company. To inaugurate his first UK course, Chart Hills in Kent, he showcased his skills by hitting two balls within inches of each other, cementing his reputation for precision.
1992: Third Open Championship Title
Cementing his legacy as a golfing great, Faldo secured his third Open Championship victory in 1992.
1992: Faldo's Consistent Open Championship Performances
Despite his conservative playing style, Nick Faldo shot a remarkable 64 at Muirfield during the 1992 Open Championship. This was part of a streak where he carded a round under 65 in three consecutive Open Championships, demonstrating his ability to deliver exceptional performances.
1992: Third Open Championship Win
In 1992, Nick Faldo won his third Open Championship at Muirfield. He set a new record for the lowest first 36 holes with scores of 66-64 (130 total), a record later tied by Brandt Snedeker in 2012. Faldo led by four shots going into the final round but lost the lead to John Cook. He recovered with birdies on two of the last four holes to win by one stroke.
1992: Second European Tour Order of Merit Win
In 1992, Nick Faldo won the European Tour Order of Merit for the second time. He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating his intention to make any competitor work hard for a victory against him. His earnings of £1,558,978 that year broke the existing record.
1992: Faldo's Open Championship Win and Cook's Late Mistakes
In 1992, Nick Faldo won the Open Championship, taking advantage of John Cook's mistakes in the closing holes. This victory further fueled the debate about the role of opponents' errors in Faldo's major championship wins.
1992: Third European Tour Player of the Year Award
Nick Faldo's exceptional year in 1992 was capped off with his third European Tour Player of the Year award, further solidifying his legacy as a dominant force in European golf. This accolade underscored his consistent excellence and impact on the sport.
1992: Emotional Open Championship Victory
Nick Faldo, known for his stoic demeanor, showed rare emotion after winning the 1992 Open Championship at Muirfield. He trembled and shed tears after sinking the winning putt. This victory held immense significance for Faldo, who later admitted that losing would have been a tough pill to swallow.
July 1993: Third Consecutive Irish Open Win and Open Championship Duel
July 1993 saw Nick Faldo achieve an unprecedented third consecutive victory at the Carroll's Irish Open, defeating José María Olazábal in a playoff. Later that month, as defending champion at the Open Championship, he engaged in a memorable duel with Greg Norman. Despite a strong final round, Faldo finished runner-up to Norman by two strokes.
1993: Faldo's Low Round at Royal St George's
In 1993, Nick Faldo shot an impressive 63 at Royal St George's during the Open Championship, maintaining his streak of low rounds in the tournament and demonstrating his ability to excel in high-stakes situations.
1994: Faldo's Impressive Round at Turnberry
Continuing his streak of strong Open Championship performances, Nick Faldo shot a 64 at Turnberry in 1994, showcasing his capacity for exceptional rounds despite his generally conservative style.
1995: End of Second Marriage and New Relationship
Faldo's second marriage ended in 1995 after he began a relationship with Brenna Cepelak, a 20-year-old American golfing student.
1995: Shifting Focus to the U.S. PGA Tour
In 1995, Nick Faldo made a strategic decision to concentrate on the U.S. PGA Tour, aiming to secure more major championship wins. This decision was driven by the fact that three out of the four major golf tournaments are held in the United States. Initially, his performance was moderate.
April 1996: Sixth and Final Major Win at the Masters
In April 1996, Nick Faldo secured a memorable victory at the Masters, marking his sixth and final major championship win. This victory came at the age of 38.
1996: Declining Form and Shifting Focus
After his 1996 Masters win, Nick Faldo's form began to decline, coinciding with his entry into his forties. He gradually reduced his participation in professional tournaments, devoting more time to other pursuits.
1996: Third Masters Title
In 1996, Faldo added to his impressive Masters legacy by securing his third victory at the prestigious tournament.
1996: Faldo Establishes Faldo Series for Young Golfers
In 1996, Nick Faldo founded the Faldo Series, a charity tournament aimed at supporting young golfers under 21 globally. The series, with over 7,000 annual participants across 28 countries, has produced notable alumni like Rory McIlroy, Yani Tseng, and Nick Dougherty.
1996: Faldo's Masters Victory and Norman's Collapse
Nick Faldo clinched his third Masters title in 1996, capitalizing on Greg Norman's collapse during the tournament. This win again raised questions about the role of opponents' errors in Faldo's major championship victories.
1996: Memorable Masters Win and Norman's Collapse
Nick Faldo's victory at the 1996 Masters is often overshadowed by Greg Norman's final round collapse. Faldo, trailing by six strokes at the start, shot a remarkable 67, while Norman faltered with a 78. Despite the focus on Norman's collapse, Faldo's performance was a testament to his composure and skill under pressure. The event marked a turning point in their relationship, as they later became friends.
1996: End of an Era of Dominance
The year 1996 marked the end of Nick Faldo's dominant run in professional golf, which began in 1987. During this period, he had established himself as one of the world's best, securing numerous victories and accolades.
1997: Faldo Golf Institute is Founded
Partnering with Marriott hotels, Nick Faldo established The Faldo Golf Institute in 1997. This instructional program aims to help golfers of all skill levels improve their game and enhance their enjoyment of the sport through its five locations across the US and UK.
1997: Last Tournament Victory
At 39 years old, Nick Faldo clinched his final tournament victory at the 1997 Nissan Open in Los Angeles.
1998: Faldo Inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame
In 1998, Nick Faldo received one of golf's highest honors with his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greats.
1998: Faldo and Leadbetter Part Ways
In 1998, Nick Faldo unexpectedly ended his partnership with swing coach David Leadbetter through a letter.
2000: Faldo Ranked Among Golf's Greatest
Golf Digest magazine ranked Nick Faldo as the 18th greatest golfer of all time in 2000, further solidifying his place among the sport's legends.
July 2001: Third Marriage
Nick Faldo married Valerie Bercher, a Swiss PR agent, in a lavish ceremony at his Windsor home in July 2001.
2001: Reduced Playing Schedule
By 2001, Nick Faldo's focus had shifted from the PGA Tour back to the European Tour, where he played a less demanding schedule. This marked a transition in his career as he gradually reduced his tournament appearances.
2002: Strong Performance at the U.S. Open
In 2002, just shy of his 45th birthday, Nick Faldo demonstrated his enduring skill with a commendable tied for 5th place finish at the U.S. Open. This performance highlighted his continued competitiveness at a high level.
2003: Praise for Faldo's Career
In 2003, prominent figures in the golf world lauded Nick Faldo's career. Peter McEvoy called him a contender for Britain's finest sportsman in an individual sport, while PGA chief executive Sandy Jones recognized his dedication and achievements, positioning him as Britain's best golfer of all time.
2003: Birth of Daughter
Nick Faldo and Valerie Bercher welcomed their daughter, Emma Scarlet, in 2003.
2003: Last Top-10 Finish in a Major
The 2003 Open Championship at Royal St George's saw Nick Faldo briefly challenge for the title with a strong performance, including a third round of 67 and a close brush with the lead in the final round. He ultimately finished tied for eighth, marking his last top-10 finish in a major championship.
2003: Leadbetter's Reflections on Faldo
Years after their professional split, David Leadbetter, in 2003, described Nick Faldo as a solitary figure who wasn't particularly focused on building relationships with fellow golfers. However, he acknowledged that Faldo's approach didn't hinder his performance on the course.
2004: Faldo Transitions to Broadcasting
After reducing his playing schedule, Nick Faldo transitioned to broadcasting in 2004, joining ABC Sports' PGA Tour coverage. His insightful commentary and dry wit surprised many fans and earned him positive reviews alongside co-commentator Paul Azinger and host Mike Tirico.
2005: Curtis Strange Recalls Facing Faldo
In a 2005 interview, golfer Curtis Strange shared his experience of facing a highly focused and intimidating Nick Faldo during their 1988 U.S. Open playoff. Despite Faldo's demeanor, Strange maintained his composure, ultimately securing victory.
2005: Increasingly Sporadic Tournament Appearances
From 2005 onwards, Nick Faldo's appearances in professional golf tournaments became less frequent. He began to prioritize other interests and commitments, leading to a decline in his competitive golfing career.
May 2006: Third Divorce Filing
In May 2006, it was announced that Nick Faldo had filed for divorce from his third wife, Valerie Bercher.
October 2006: Faldo Joins CBS as Lead Golf Analyst
In October 2006, Nick Faldo took on the role of lead golf analyst for CBS, replacing Lanny Wadkins. This decision impacted his playing career, causing him to miss the 2007 Masters, a tournament he had won three times.
2006: Faldo's Broadcasting Success
By 2006, Nick Faldo's broadcasting career with ABC Sports was flourishing. His chemistry with Paul Azinger and Mike Tirico, marked by humorous banter and insightful analysis, continued to garner positive attention.
2006: Limited Tournament Participation
In 2006, Nick Faldo's participation in professional golf tournaments was limited to the Masters, the Open Championship, and two other European Tour events. This marked a significant reduction in his playing schedule.
2006: Transition to Television
Marking a transition in his career, Faldo became the lead golf analyst for CBS Sports in 2006.
2007: Faldo Expands Broadcasting Roles
In 2007, alongside his CBS commitments, Nick Faldo became the lead analyst for Golf Channel's PGA Tour coverage. Despite reuniting with Paul Azinger for occasional broadcasts, Faldo's solo commentary received less positive feedback than his earlier work with Azinger and Mike Tirico.
2007: Faldo Becomes Mercedes-Benz Brand Ambassador
Nick Faldo was chosen as a brand ambassador by Mercedes-Benz in 2007 to support the revival of their ultra-luxury automobile brand, Maybach.
2007: Absence from Regular Tour Events and Open Championship Cut
The first half of 2007 saw Nick Faldo completely absent from regular tour events. He participated in the Open Championship at Carnoustie but missed the cut. In his first Champions Tour event, he finished tied for 14th in the Senior British Open.
2008: First Absence from the Open Championship Since 1975
For the first time since 1975, when he failed to qualify as an amateur, Nick Faldo did not participate in the 2008 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. This decision marked a significant turning point in his relationship with the prestigious tournament.
2009: Open Championship at Turnberry
Nick Faldo returned to the Open Championship in 2009 at Turnberry after a one-year absence. However, he failed to make the cut after the first two rounds.
2009: Faldo and Azinger's Broadcasting Reunion
Nick Faldo and Paul Azinger had a brief broadcasting reunion during the 2009 Presidents Cup, with Azinger joining Faldo and Brian Hammons on Golf Channel. This reunion offered a glimpse of their previous on-air chemistry.
2009: Faldo Knighted for Services to Golf
In the 2009 Birthday Honours, Nick Faldo was knighted for his exceptional services to golf, further solidifying his legacy and impact on the sport.
2010: Open Championship at St Andrews
In 2010, Nick Faldo competed in the Open Championship at St Andrews but was unable to make the 36-hole cut, marking another unsuccessful attempt at the prestigious tournament.
2011: Absence from the Open Championship
Nick Faldo chose not to compete in the 2011 Open Championship at Royal St George's. This marked his second absence from the tournament in four years.
2013: Open Championship at Muirfield
Nick Faldo returned to competition at the 2013 Open Championship at Muirfield. However, he missed the cut, marking another unsuccessful attempt at the tournament.
September 2014: Payne Stewart Award Recipient
In September 2014, Nick Faldo was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Payne Stewart Award, recognizing his character, sportsmanship, and commitment to charitable causes.
January 2015: Career Earnings Milestone
As of January 2015, Nick Faldo's career earnings reached impressive milestones: over €8 million on the European Tour and over $5 million on the U.S. PGA Tour, underscoring his successful and lucrative career.
2015: Final Open Championship Appearance
Nick Faldo announced that the 2015 Open Championship at St Andrews would be his final appearance in the tournament. He missed the cut, ending his long and storied history with the Open.
2019: Faldo Recognized as a Top English Golfer
In 2019, Golf Monthly recognized Nick Faldo as "arguably the greatest English player of all time," highlighting his enduring impact on English golf and his status as a national sporting icon.
December 2020: Fourth Marriage
After postponing their original plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nick Faldo married Lindsay De Marco in the Florida Keys in December 2020.
August 2022: Faldo Retires from Broadcasting
After 16 years, Nick Faldo retired from his broadcasting role at CBS in August 2022. His final regular broadcast took place at the Wyndham Championship, marking the end of his long tenure in the commentator's booth.