Apr23 Faldointhehunt

Six-times major winner Nick Faldo has confirmed his participation in the 2007 Senior Open Championship at Muirfield on July 26-29.

The US$2 million championship is making its Muirfield debut and coincides perfectly with the 50th birthday of Faldo, who of course tasted Open success at the famous Scottish venue in 1987 and 1992.

It will also be Faldo’s debut appearance as a senior golfer and Europe’s 2008 Ryder Cup captain is looking to make a triumphant return to a happy hunting ground, specially as his son Matthew will be carrying his bag.

He said: “I am delighted to be going back to Muirfield once again. Every return visit rekindles fantastic memories for me but, at the same time, it does come as a bit of a shock that so much time has gone by since my first major success in 1987. It will certainly be a special week being the 20th anniversary of that victory, that’s for sure.

“The last time I played at Muirfield was the 2002 Open Championship, I haven’t been back since then but before July I have really got to try and give myself time to work on my game, which is the real issue for me at the moment with all my other commitments (Faldo is heavily involved with his course design and TV commentary work).

“But I will try to bust a gut to make time to practice and get my body in shape for the event. I’m not doing enough right now and if I want to be competitive come the event I will have to find the time, but rest assured I will do my best to make the effort.

“A Senior Open Championship title at Muirfield to go with my two regular Open Championship titles is certainly the goal for me. I have to work hard on my game to make that happen, but I also think that Muirfield will inspire me.

“I think the memories will start to come back as soon as I stand on the first tee but there will probably be more when I come up the 18th fairway – then I will really think back to all those years ago.”

But Faldo will come up against stiff opposition: among those to have formally entered at this early stage include former major champions Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite, Gary Player (the only man to have won the Senior Open Championship on three occasions), defending champion Loren Roberts, Scott Simpson, Craig Stadler and Tom Watson, while other past major winners eligible to play include Seve Ballesteros, Wayne Grady, Tony Jacklin, Mark O’Meara, Greg Norman and Nick Price. 

Tom Watson, winner of 12 majors including two Senior Opens, also lifted the Claret Jug at Muirfield in 1980 and the American will be playing in his sixth Senior Open Championship. Like Faldo, he also has the chance of achieving a unique ‘double’ at Muirfield.  All in all, it should be some event…