Nick Faldo and Tom Watson to make farewell Open appearances
Monday 20 April 2015 14:42, UK
Sir Nick Faldo and Tom Watson will make the final Open appearances of their golfing careers at St Andrews in July.
Six-time major champion Faldo plans to bid farewell on the famous Swilcan Bridge - the iconic landmark which spans the first and 18th fairways - after a hugely successful career which included three Open successes at St Andrews in 1990 and Muirfield in 1987 and 1992.
Faldo, who turns 58 on the Saturday of the Championship, said: "The Open and St Andrews will forever hold a significant place in my heart. My fondest moments on my journey with this great sport are woven with pictures and emotions in this setting. It all means a huge amount to me.
"I look forward to celebrating all that golf has given me as I cross that storied bridge and the wonderful memories I share with many people. I am grateful for it all and grateful to golf."
R&A chief executive Peter Dawson said: "Sir Nick Faldo is an inspirational figure in British golf and has enjoyed a remarkable career in The Open.
"He has delighted the galleries over many years with his three victories and consistently outstanding performances. I'm sure there will be great anticipation among the galleries at St Andrews to see him play in The Open once again and he will receive a rousing ovation worthy of a great champion."
Five-time Open champion Watson, who lost a play-off at Turnberry in 2009 at the age of 59, received a special exemption from the R&A to play his final Open in 2015, the 40th anniversary of his first victory at Carnoustie.
He and Faldo will be joined by the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson in the Champion Golfers' Challenge on Wednesday, July 15, a four-hole team event played on the first, second, 17th and 18th on the eve of the Championship.
In a glittering career, Faldo also won the Masters on three occasions. He played in 11 European Ryder Cup teams, becoming the leading points-scorer in the competition’s history, before captaining the team in 2008.
He was runner-up in both the US Open and the USPGA Championship. In addition to his major wins, Faldo won 24 European Tour events and led the money list in 1983 and 1992. He also won three events on the PGA Tour.
