Sir Nick Faldo Interview

A dream fourball – who do you invite?
My dream four ball? Definitely Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Lee Trevino.

What’s your all-time favourite golf course?
That’s easy! St Andrews Old Course.

Name a golf course you would most like to play, but haven't yet?
There are quite a few. Bandon Dunes, Oregon is one spot.

What’s the greatest shot you ever hit?
Probably my 3-iron to the last green at Muirfield in 1992.

And one shot you would love to be able to have over again?
I would love to be able to play the par three 16th at Brookline in the final round of the 1988 US Open. It was a 6-iron and I pushed it right into the bunker.

Who do you most admire in golf?
Jack, Arnold, Gary.

And outside golf, in life generally?
I admire anyone who has devoted their life and career researching and developing something to enhance the lives of others, particularly those who have made significant medical breakthroughs.

If you were in charge of the game for a day, what Rule of Golf would you change?
I’d say “no tee pegs.” It would be all about ball-striking. Wow!

What is your all-time favourite Ryder Cup moment?
In 1995 at Oakhill, my up and down from 93 yards to beat Curtis Strange in my singles match on Sunday; and of course being part of the 1987 team which earned the first win ever in America at Muirfield Village.

Your worst Ryder Cup memory?
In 1985 at the Belfry, I played so bad that week that I wasn’t part of that victory.

What’s your favourite meal?
I am a happy eater. Ideally anything Japanese or Italian, but I like anything with more than 1,000 calories and a dangerous sauce!

Favourite drink?
Depends on the occasion. I like a nice glass of red wine. Also love a rare whisky, or chilled Russian Vodka, or simply a lime and soda.

What do you do to relax?
I’m a fly fisherman. I love to stand in a river waiting for the rise of the trout or quietly stalk the flats for bonefish.

How frustrating is it to be sat up in that booth when surely you’d really like to be out there playing golf?
If you could wave a magic wand over a golfer, like any athlete, sure we’d all like to freeze time and maintain the highest level of skill on the world stage until we die. But that is not life. So in actuality, I am very happy with my role in television and to still play a part in this game and to watch the youngsters and the game evolve and entertain us. I enjoy telling those stories.

When Tom Watson could’ve/should’ve won at Turnberry, was there a part of you that wondered why you ever packed in playing?
No, not really. There was no room to do anything but admire Tom Watson on that week and that day. Unfortunately to come that close, maintain that level day after day and come up just short – for me, honestly, that tremendous effort and devastating result would have emotionally scarred me from the experience.

For the Hill Climb at Goodwood what would be your choice of car?
I think I did pretty good in the Ferrari 458 Italia. The Bentley Le Mans car was something else – unfortunately, there is only one seat!

Do you think Tiger will surpass Jack Nicklaus's record of 18 majors?
Short answer, no I don’t.

If you were Tiger's coach, what would you be telling him?
Wow, I have plenty of drills I did in my day, which I think would help him. For starters, right now, I would like to see him play a week, practice a week. I think it is important for him to get that tournament feedback.

Are you satisfied with six majors – should you have won more?
Should is not the right word. Of course, I would like to have won more; we all would like to win more. Looking back it would have been nice to win the Slam, all four. Having said that, I am quite proud of my ‘pair of threes’.

What’s the best piece of property you have ever been involved with, design wise?
Right now, on my books, I am very excited about La Vassa Hill City project in India. It has a stunning view with what must be at least a 1,000-foot drop at the end of the site.

Your golf courses aside, which course designer’s work do you admire the most?
The Golden Era architects have really stood the test of time and impact on the game; Alister MacKenzie and George Thomas are probably my two favourites.

Favourite holiday destination?
My favourite holiday destinations all include water, the river or the sea. I enjoy fishing and jet skiing and seascapes; just the peace of being waterside.

What gadget could you not live without?
I guess it has to be my Blackberry. It keeps me in contact with family and business. I’m a tweeter like so many players on Tour. It is really a great source of news and entertainment and I can always snap a picture to share with my kids.