Sir Nick never dreamed of knighthood

Golfer Sir Nick Faldo described being knighted by the Queen on Tuesday as an “unbelievable experience”.
Golfer Sir Nick Faldo described being knighted by the Queen on Tuesday as an “unbelievable experience”.
The most successful British golfer in the modern era said he never dreamed of receiving such an honour following the ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The 52-year-old said: “It was amazing. That was an unbelievable experience.
“I had dreams as a young boy of being a golfer and winning tournaments, but you don’t dream of this.
“When I found out in the summer, my first thought was of riding my bike through the woods to the golf course when I was just starting out.
“I played my first round of golf on my 14th birthday.”
The sportsman becomes a “sir” on the back of a career which has seen him win six majors, including three Opens.
He added: “The Queen said: ‘You’ve been in the game a long time’.
“I said: ‘Yes, ma’am – for 30 years’.”
Examining his medal in its presentation box, Sir Nick said: “That’s pretty special – look at that fella.”
Asked which of his majors he was most proud of, the golfer said: “Majors are like children.
“It’s impossible to pick, but the first one is special because you finally break through.
“Next year, I celebrate 20 years of winning in 1990.
“They all mean a hell of a lot.”
Sir Nick was captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team, which lost to the US last year.
“Of course, that week we had 24 players that played their heart out, but the Americans beat us that time,” he said.
He added that he had loved the experience of the cup, obviously apart from the result, and said the players would be determined to win next year in Wales after being beaten.
“I’m rooting for the guys to go and win the Ryder Cup back,” he added.
Sir Nick, who has been coaching in Brazil, welcomed the move to reintroduce golf to the Olympics in 2016 for the first time since 1904.
“As a golfer, I would have loved in my trophy cabinet to have had a gold medal,” he said.
“The Olympics is such a special event.
“I’m sure it’s going to be amazing.”
He was watched during the castle investiture by his four children, Natalie, Matthew, Georgia and Emma.
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.