Nick Faldo :: ‘Jack inspired me’

Sir Nick Faldo has hailed 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus for inspiring and introducing him to the game of golf.

Faldo, 57, a six-time major winner himself, was speaking ahead of the Nicklaus-hosted Memorial Tournament, where he was chosen by the Golden Bear as this year’s honouree.

Speaking at the induction ceremony, which also honoured long-time writer Doc Giffin, Faldo spoke about his upbringing in a two-up two-down council house in Welwyn Garden City and how, after seeing Nicklaus on the family’s recently bought colour television, he was inspired to go out and get some lessons at the age of 13.

Fast forward a couple of years and Faldo and his father were in attendance at Royal Troon for the Open in 1973, where he recalls coming face-to-face with his idol for the first time.

Watch the video below for more, with Nick Faldo’s speech appearing 03:15 into the clip.