Faldo Charge Is Worth Remembering

Nick Faldo had just won his sixth major title, the one he really wasn’t sure that he’d bag here in the dogwoods and the azaleas and the pine trees.

“I obviously didn’t think it was going to happen this week,” Faldo said. “This one’s an amazing one, isn’t it?

“I hope I’m remembered for shooting a 67 on the last day and storming through and not what happened to Greg. I’m obviously pleased with what I’ve done. But it’s going to be remembered for what happened to Greg.”

Lest anyone think Faldo was nothing more than a bystander to Greg Norman’s history-making collapse, his closing round was the best of the day.

But it also must be noted that Norman ended with a six-over-par 78. Norman began the day with a six-shot lead and needed only to shoot par in the final round to win.

And so the Masters leaps into Faldo’s golf resume for the third time, along with his back-to-back triumphs in 1989 and 1990. Faldo also won the British Open in 1987, 1990 and 1992.

“They’re all great,” Faldo said.

This one wasn’t too shabby. Norman’s collapse may be what fans remember, but Faldo hardly backed into the thing.

By the time he made the turn, Faldo had shaved four shots off Norman’s lead.

The turning point may have been the 10th hole, the 485-yard downhill par four. Norman three-putted from 12 feet for bogey and Faldo made his par. Now the lead was one.

It didn’t stay that way for long. Faldo caught up when Norman bogeyed 11 and took the lead for good on the par-three 12th when Norman knocked his tee shot into the water.

Now two ahead with seven holes to play, all Faldo did was increase his lead.

Faldo knew what happened to him, he just isn’t quite sure what happened to Norman.

“I don’t want to say, to be honest,” Faldo said. “It’s excessive pressure. It’s the highest degree of accuracy on any golf course. It’s the most strategic-thinking golf course in the world.

“I mean, the pressure was immense.”

He said he felt sympathy for Norman.

“What he’s been through is horrible. It’s hard to be plastered and repair that. I honestly, genuinely feel sorry for him. He’s had a real tough ride today.”

Faldo birdied the 13th, 15th and 18th holes, the last one after hitting a nine-iron out of a sand trip and knocking the ball to within 15 feet. From there, he rolled in the putt, which meant he managed to end Norman’s misery.

“The man’s got the drive and the commitment, and he will be back again,” Faldo said.

But Faldo has the green jacket.