Latest news with #NickFaldo
Telegraph
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Sir Nick Faldo: Donald Trump always picks up when I call
The last thing Sir Nick Faldo wants to do after four days of talking about golf is more of the same. But when it is the president of the United States ringing to dissect the latest major's talking points, it is a call you have to take. 'He always calls me Nicky,' Faldo tells Telegraph Sport, explaining that the pair have struck up an unlikely bromance. A routine, which Faldo estimates has happened nearly 30 times, started at the beginning of his TV work with US broadcaster CBS. 'So when I started TV, out of the blue, a Monday after a tournament, I remember I was down hitting golf balls and it's Donald, back when he was just a businessman,' Faldo says while beginning to transition into a Trump impression before thinking better of it. ''Nicky,'' Faldo says, pretending to be Trump, his giant hand now a fake phone. ''Nicky, how did he blow that tournament? You wouldn't have done that, Nicky. You'd have done this, you'd have done that, Nicky.' 'Over 10 years, that happened two or three times a year out of the blue,' Faldo, back as himself, adds. A close, personal relationship with the president of the US could be exploited for any number of reasons. For Faldo, it has simply become a party trick. 'For fun, I could be anywhere in the world and if somebody was talking about this and that, I'd say: 'I'll call him'. And I always get through. Honestly. One hundred per cent of the time.' Phone calls are frowned upon on the putting green of The Berkshire in Ascot, where Faldo is hosting the Husqvarna Invitational, so, sadly, there is no opportunity to put his claim to the test. 'Nicky, Nicky, how did he win this?' There is one chat, however, that stands out from the rest for Faldo. In 2019, Tiger Woods completed one of sport's great comebacks to end an 11-year wait for his 15th major by becoming Masters champion for the fifth time. While it was a brilliant day for Woods, it quickly became an uncomfortable scenario for Faldo and his CBS colleague Jim Nantz. 'By now, he's the president,' Faldo says. 'And I've got this relationship with him. So, imagine, 20-30 times he's called me and we'd chat, chat, chat, chat. No big deal. 'It's the 2019 Masters. Tiger's just won. And you know, they played in the morning, we're done at 2.30pm and so now Jim Nantz and I – we're in Butler Cabin and we've got five hours of TV to fill. 'You've got producers in your ear, cameras are rolling, everything. And one of the ladies from CBS leans over to me and goes, 'I have a call from the president of the United States for you, sir...'' Faldo, with a smirk, imitates waving the phone call away with his hands. 'I say, 'Oh, tell him to call me on Monday.'' Faldo then takes on the role of the producer, gawking, eyes wide and white. 'She goes, 'no, it's the president of the United States'.' ''It's fine, tell him that I'm busy, I'm on with Nantz!''. The CBS studio falls into stunned silence. 'So anyway about 4pm, and luckily I'm out of my chair, and my phone rings and I've got the president of the United States on the line. I've got Donald saying, 'Nicky, Nicky, how did he win this? How did he win this? How did he do that?' 'I go back: 'Do you realise that I'm live on flipping TV! Do you mind!' 'So my claim to fame is that he called two golfers on that day, and Tiger was second.' Faldo's appearance at Republican rally The Faldo-Trump relationship has now moved beyond just the phone call stage. Last year, Faldo took up Trump's offer to attend a rally in Montana, where he now resides in Bozeman. The then-Republican candidate thanked Faldo and his wife, Lindsay De Marco, for their support, telling his adoring crowd that politics could be the next step for the former golfer. 'This guy is a major golfer. He is a major friend of mine. One of the best ever,' Trump proclaimed. 'He could take people, he'd play the best players in the world, and they would always fold in front of him. In fact, I think I need to bring him into government because we like to get other people to fold.' Trump: And one of our greatest golfers in the history of. I'm a golfer, I love golf. This guy is a major golfer. He's a major friend of mine, one of the best ever. They knighted him in in England or in UK. I'd like to bring him into government. Nick Faldo. — Acyn (@Acyn) August 10, 2024 De Marco, an ardent Trump supporter, headed straight for the now-US president after the rally and the three posed for a photograph together. Faldo, however, was more concerned with stamping out any speculation that he could be entering front-line politics. 'To all those overly concerned. Before I head out the door this morning into the great outdoors of Montana to cast a fly in the river, I will make a short and sweet statement about former president Donald Trump's tongue-in-cheek compliment of my competitive fortitude,' Faldo posted on social media. 'For those who took his comments seriously, I must say that I am amused that I need to clarify and announce that I have zero interest in and no intention of taking a political position.' But this swift distancing should not be mistaken for a lack of interest in politics. Faldo Farm in Montana is where he calls home and he watches the news there every morning. More often than not, the news cycle centres around Trump. 'Well, we quite like the guy,' Faldo says. 'I quite like the guy. I get on fine with him. Boy do they get wound up with that stuff, but day-to-day it's very good out there.' 'Britain is struggling' Faldo may have grown up in leafy Hertfordshire, but he has no plans to return home to the UK. And it was a walk down one of the UK's wealthiest high streets that reaffirmed to him that the nation is in trouble. 'We walked down Eton high street because we used to live near there and it's looking a bit rough,' he says. 'You know, things have gone down. The shops are closing, there's boarded up windows and I'm disappointed to see that the country is struggling, to be honest. And, I mean, that's a shame.' So, could the UK learn from Trump's America? 'You've got to say the attitude [in the US] is good,' Faldo says. 'It's back to the good old psychology of life. You've got to be seeing good things and saying good things. Self-hypnosis is really powerful, you know?' Pushing out his bottom lip, and hunching over his putter, he continues. 'If you're saying life is miserable and I'm fed up then, guess what, life is going to be miserable and you're going to be fed up. But if you wake up in the morning and think, 'What opportunities have I got today?' or 'What am I going to enjoy today?' 'It's a simple trick. I do it. What am I going to enjoy doing today? Then you go completely at it and you're already looking forward to doing something that you are going to enjoy.' There is something else Britain could adopt from the US, too, it turns out. 'The best thing about America is that you can turn right at a set of traffic lights [even if the light is red]. That's very useful. It just makes sense. You arrive at the junction and you can just keep going. They should bring that in over here, but left.' Faldo's criticisms of his adopted country are, on the other hand, rather minor. And both relate to food. 'The worst [thing about the US], oh my goodness. Well probably the bread. Now we're being told not to eat their bread because of all the impurities that they've discovered. 'I'll tell you the other bad thing about America is that you go for breakfast in New York, and they chop the melon in a certain way. And you go to California, you go 2,000 miles away, and they chop it the same. 'You go across Europe and every country is a little bit different. They go for the same across the whole country.' Melon aside, there are other things Faldo misses about home, with the British sense of humour and its television shows top of the list. Would I Lie To You? being a particular favourite. 'It's embarrassing if you can't keep up your club speed' On Faldo Farm, he sticks to a morning routine that begins at 5am before the rest of the household is awake. Faldo remains dedicated to his hobby of fly fishing while TikTok has become an unlikely source of inspiration for the 67-year-old to stay fit. 'I love TikTok,' he says. 'I'm an obsessive TikToker. I'm always telling Lindsay, 'My TikTok doctor said this', or, 'my TikTok chef said that'. 'I look at all these exercises and I think to myself, 'oh, I can try this' and 'oh, I can try that.'' Slapping his stomach, which sounds incredibly solid, he adds: 'I'm just trying to get this big blooming lump to keep moving and to keep the speed up. That's the hardest thing. As we get older, it gets embarrassing if you can't get the blooming club speed up.' Away from his punditry and assiduous fitness routine, Faldo's chaotic calendar also includes designing golf courses and running the Faldo Series, an event which promotes junior golf events. It is a sharp contrast to his idyllic farm life. 'When I'm at home, I'm at home. But when I'm on the road, I'm busy. In two different worlds,' Faldo says before parting with some suitably folksy advice. 'You've got to enjoy what you're doing. I know that much. And if you're not enjoying it, find something and jump ship because we don't know how long we've got. 'And if the worst comes to worst, get yourself some puppies. Because every day is a great day with puppies.'
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Six times Major champion to host exclusive event at Trump Turnberry
Those taking part can join the legendary golfer for some unforgettable holes on the renowned Ailsa Course. Trump Turnberry will host an exclusive event offering passionate golfers the opportunity to receive personalised coaching from Sir Nick Faldo. And those taking part can join the legendary golfer for some unforgettable holes on the renowned Ailsa Course. The event, taking place from Thursday, August 14 to Sunday, August 17, will provide a unique opportunity to play with, be coached by, and gain insight into the career of one of the game's greatest ever golfers who won both The Open and Masters three times. The extraordinary golfing experience comes just a few weeks after the reopening of the Ailsa following extensive renovations, elevating one of the world's great links courses to new heights. The Ailsa has already witnessed some of the sport's most storied moments as a four-time host of The Open including the unforgettable 'Duel in the Sun' between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson in 1977, and 2025 heralds a new chapter for the Ayrshire links. The three-night package includes: three nights with full Scottish breakfast at Trump Turnberry Resort; two rounds on the championship Ailsa Course; six holes with Sir Nick Faldo on the Ailsa Course; one round on The King Robert the Bruce Course; evening Q&A with Sir Nick Faldo; golf clinic led by Sir Nick Faldo at The Trump Turnberry Academy, lunch-time refreshments; pre-dinner drinks and dinner on each night and welcome gift. For non-golfers there are relaxing treatments at The Spa at Turnberry, thrilling outdoor pursuits including clay pigeon shooting, archery and horse riding, shopping at the Pro Shop, or indulgent dining experiences including the signature afternoon tea. The package includes full access to the Turnberry practice facilities including The Wee Links Pitch & Putt. For guests looking to take their game to the next level, the new state-of-the-art Trackman Range and Trackman iO Simulator will provide participants with the opportunity to fine-tune distances or enjoy a competitive round indoors with friends within the Golf Academy at Trump Turnberry. The iconic Ailsa course is a permanent fixture at the top of global golf course rankings, and will open for members from June 1 and guests a month later following an eagerly anticipated refurbishment by renowned architect Martin Ebert. Headlining the latest changes are the seventh and eighth holes hugging the rugged coastline to offer a golfing experience vista like no other. The King Robert the Bruce, which is recognised as one of Scotland's best golfing experiences in its own right and made its debut this year in the renowned Golf Digest World's Greatest 100 Courses ranking to join the illustrious Ailsa on the list, is another journey through one of Scotland's most picturesque landscapes. Nic Oldham, General Manager at Trump Turnberry, said: 'We look forward to welcoming Sir Nick and guests to Trump Turnberry for what promises to be a truly special occasion. The Ailsa is looking magnificent after the renovations and the opportunity to play with one of the game's greatest ever golfers will be an experience to treasure.' Places are limited with packages from £5,755 per person for single occupancy to £9,570 for double occupancy or £7,510 for a golfer and non-golfer.
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Rory McIlroy struggles at US PGA Championship as Luke Donald shares lead
McIlroy's nerve-shredding victory at Augusta National made him just the sixth male golfer to complete a career grand slam and gave him a fifth major title, one behind Sir Nick Faldo. And the world number two was strongly fancied to equal Faldo's tally at the first opportunity at Quail Hollow, a venue where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2010 and has since claimed three more victories, including last year. A double-bogey at the 16th for Rory McIlroy… His first double-bogey at Quail Hollow since 2010 🤯#PGAChamp — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 15, 2025 However, McIlroy hit just one fairway in his first nine holes on Thursday as he covered the back nine in one over par to lie five shots off the early pace being surprisingly set by Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald. McIlroy was among the early starters from the 10th tee in Thursday's first round and despite missing the fairway and green on the downhill par five, he holed from 10 feet for birdie after a well-judged pitch. That shot was immediately given back on the next with a disappointing three-putt and McIlroy had to save par on the 12th with a deft chip after his approach span back off the side of the green. McIlroy was unable to find the green on the reachable par-four 14th and although he hit a good pitch to four feet, he could not convert the birdie attempt. Another wayward drive on the par-five 15th stopped just a few feet from the water and McIlroy was able to hit a seven iron just short of the green, from where he two-putted for birdie. But after pulling another tee shot on the 16th, McIlroy's back foot slipped as he tried to pitch the ball back into play and he missed the green with his approach on his way to a double bogey. Playing partners Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion and world number one, also made six after pulling their approaches into the water as the first hole of the so-called 'Green Mile' closing stretch claimed three high-profile victims. McIlroy almost chipped in for birdie on the 17th before yet another pulled tee shot on the 18th stopped just short of the creek which runs the length of the hole, from where he was able to find the putting surface and make par. Opening Round Hole Locations ⛳#PGAChamp — PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 15, 2025 Despite torrential rain disrupting practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, tournament organisers had opted not to implement preferred lies at Quail Hollow, raising the prospect of more complaints about 'mud balls' as voiced by Jordan Spieth at the Masters. A statement from the PGA of America, released on Wednesday evening, read: 'We do not plan to play preferred lies. 'The playing surfaces are outstanding and are drying by the hour. We are mowing the fairways this evening. We are looking forward to an exciting opening round to the 107th PGA Championship.'
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Rory McIlroy off to mixed start in bid for successive majors at PGA Championship
McIlroy's nerve-shredding victory at Augusta National made him just the sixth male golfer to complete a career grand slam and gave him a fifth major title, one behind Sir Nick Faldo. And the world number two had every chance of equalling Faldo's tally at the first opportunity at Quail Hollow, a venue where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2010 and has since claimed three more victories, including last year. Opening birdie for McIlroy 👏 — Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 15, 2025 McIlroy was among the early starters from the 10th tee in Thursday's first round and despite missing the fairway and green on the downhill par five, he holed from 10 feet for birdie after a well-judged pitch. That shot was immediately given back on the next with a disappointing three-putt and McIlroy had to save par on the 12th with a deft chip after his approach span back off the side of the green. McIlroy was unable to find the green on the reachable par-four 14th and although he hit a good pitch to four feet, he could not convert the birdie attempt. At level par McIlroy was three shots behind New Zealand's Ryan Fox and a trio of Englishmen, with Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood and former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick all three under par. Despite torrential rain disrupting practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, tournament organisers had opted not to implement preferred lies at Quail Hollow, raising the prospect of more complaints about 'mud balls' as voiced by Jordan Spieth at the Masters. A statement from the PGA of America, released on Wednesday evening, read: 'We do not plan to play preferred lies. 'The playing surfaces are outstanding and are drying by the hour. We are mowing the fairways this evening. We are looking forward to an exciting opening round to the 107th PGA Championship.'
Glasgow Times
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Rory McIlroy off to mixed start in bid for successive majors at PGA Championship
McIlroy's nerve-shredding victory at Augusta National made him just the sixth male golfer to complete a career grand slam and gave him a fifth major title, one behind Sir Nick Faldo. And the world number two had every chance of equalling Faldo's tally at the first opportunity at Quail Hollow, a venue where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2010 and has since claimed three more victories, including last year. Opening birdie for McIlroy 👏 — Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) May 15, 2025 McIlroy was among the early starters from the 10th tee in Thursday's first round and despite missing the fairway and green on the downhill par five, he holed from 10 feet for birdie after a well-judged pitch. That shot was immediately given back on the next with a disappointing three-putt and McIlroy had to save par on the 12th with a deft chip after his approach span back off the side of the green. McIlroy was unable to find the green on the reachable par-four 14th and although he hit a good pitch to four feet, he could not convert the birdie attempt. Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot on the 12th hole during the first round of the US PGA Championship (David J. Phillip/AP) At level par McIlroy was three shots behind New Zealand's Ryan Fox and a trio of Englishmen, with Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood and former US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick all three under par. Despite torrential rain disrupting practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday, tournament organisers had opted not to implement preferred lies at Quail Hollow, raising the prospect of more complaints about 'mud balls' as voiced by Jordan Spieth at the Masters. A statement from the PGA of America, released on Wednesday evening, read: 'We do not plan to play preferred lies. 'The playing surfaces are outstanding and are drying by the hour. We are mowing the fairways this evening. We are looking forward to an exciting opening round to the 107th PGA Championship.'
