Nick Faldo's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 10, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Nick Faldo. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Sir Nick Faldo is a retired English professional golfer and current television commentator. Recognized as one of golf's all-time greats, he achieved the world No. 1 ranking for 97 weeks. Faldo's career highlights include 41 professional wins, with 30 on the European Tour, and six major championships: three Open Championships and three Masters Tournaments solidifying his place in golfing history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1965: Jack Nicklaus' Masters Win

In 1965, Jack Nicklaus won the Masters Tournament, setting the stage for his subsequent win in 1966. This historic feat served as a reference point when Faldo won back-to-back titles in 1990.

1970: Tony Jacklin's Major National Championship

In 1970, Tony Jacklin was the last British player to hold both major national championships, a feat Nick Faldo aimed to achieve in 1988 but ultimately missed.

1977: European Tour Successes and Ryder Cup Debut

In 1977, Nick Faldo achieved early success on the European Tour, finishing eighth on the Order of Merit. He also became the youngest Ryder Cup player at the age of 20, winning all three of his matches.

1980: Sun Alliance PGA Championship Win

In 1980, Nick Faldo won the Sun Alliance PGA Championship in England.

1981: Second Sun Alliance PGA Championship Win

In 1981, Nick Faldo secured his second consecutive Sun Alliance PGA Championship in England.

1982: Tom Watson's Multiple Major Wins

In 1982, Tom Watson was the last golfer before Nick Faldo to win two majors in the same year. Faldo matched this achievement in 1990.

1983: Order of Merit Victory

In 1983, Nick Faldo finished top of the Order of Merit, achieving five European Tour victories.

May 1987: Peugeot Spanish Open Victory

In May 1987, Nick Faldo won the Peugeot Spanish Open, marking his first European Tour victory since 1984 and a turning point in restoring his confidence after swing changes.

July 1987: First Major Title at The Open Championship

In July 1987, Nick Faldo secured his first major title at The Open Championship held at Muirfield. He won by one shot after solid and steady play in the final round amidst cool, misty weather conditions.

1987: First Open Championship Win

In 1987, Nick Faldo won his first major championship at The Open Championship.

1989: Victory at the Masters

In 1989, Nick Faldo secured victory at the Masters after a playoff with Scott Hoch, marking a significant achievement in his career.

1989: First Masters Win

In 1989, Nick Faldo won his first Masters Tournament after a playoff with Scott Hoch.

1990: Second Open Championship and Masters Titles

In 1990, Nick Faldo achieved victory at both the Open Championship and the Masters Tournament, marking a significant year in his career.

1990: Masters Title Defense

In 1990, Nick Faldo successfully defended his Masters title, winning in a playoff against Raymond Floyd. He became the first player since Jack Nicklaus in 1965-66 to win back-to-back Masters titles.

1992: European Tour Order of Merit Victory

In 1992, Nick Faldo claimed the European Tour Order of Merit for a second time. He earned £1,558,978 worldwide, breaking the existing record.

1992: Third Open Championship Title

In 1992, Nick Faldo secured his third Open Championship, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.

1992: Emotional Open Win

In 1992, after winning the Open Championship at Muirfield, Nick Faldo displayed visible emotion, trembling and shedding tears, a departure from his stoic image.

July 1993: Carroll's Irish Open Win

In July 1993, Nick Faldo won the Carroll's Irish Open for an unprecedented third time in a row, defeating José María Olazábal in a sudden-death playoff. Later that month, he dueled Greg Norman in the Open Championship, finishing runner-up.

April 1996: Masters Victory

In April 1996, Nick Faldo won a famous victory at Augusta to collect his sixth and final major championship.

1996: Sixth and Final Major Championship

In 1996, Nick Faldo secured his sixth and final major championship at the Masters Tournament.

1996: Third Masters Win

In 1996, Nick Faldo won his third Masters Tournament.

1996: Masters Victory and Words of Encouragement

In 1996, Nick Faldo won the Masters after Greg Norman's collapse. Faldo hugged Norman after the win and offered words of encouragement, leading to a lasting friendship.