Nick Faldo: The Definitive Biography Driven

When one thinks of Nick Faldo, one will also think of Greg Norman and the two of them together at the 1996 Masters. Faldo trailing hopelessly by 6 strokes entering the final round summoned something from deep inside which allowed him to pull off one of the great comebacks in the history of Sport. Recording 7 birdies in the final round of a Major is incredible, but when it's Sunday at the Master's, it becomes legendary. Especially when you consider that well before this victory ever took place the golfing world was in agreement that Faldo's career was over so far as winning majors was concerned. However, Faldo had overcome doubts before. Including his own. It's easy to forget and indeed it should not be dwelled upon, but Faldo very nearly achieved 3 legs of the career Grand Slam losing out in a playoff in the US Open to Curtis Strange. The reason I bring this up in not to highlight a negative for Faldo but rather to demonstrate his resilence as after that massive dissapointment Faldo would indeed redeem himself and go on to win many more Majors. Faldo endured many dissapointments through out his career, personal as well. His first marriage failed. Reading the accounts, I have always gotten the feeling that Nick was just to young to be sure of what he wanted. I don't think he ever intended to hurt any of the women that he eventually left. Indeed such is life. Men and Women are constantly changing and evolving. It shouldn't ever be a surprise when a man and woman part ways. I suppose Faldo's part in the blame is quite subjective, I won't argue with anyone. What I will say, is I believe he truly cared for each and everyone of the women he's been involved with. Nick has always seemed to be a bit of a magnet for critisizm. Well before the limelight Faldo made a bit of a pilgrimmage to the states if I remember correctly to play and learn golf in Texas. Joining him as well was the likes of Sandy Lyle. This was when they were both still amateurs. Needless to say Faldo grew quite disenchanted with the style of golf being taught as it tended to only focus on becoming a good scrambler and putter. Faldo went back home and was portrayed as a National dissapointment. However, I have always agreed with his decision as not everyones game is suited for that style. Faldo wanted to be an all around great golfer and I admire that. In the end it proved out that he made the right decision when you take a look at the results of his career. Nick Faldo has indeed spent a lot of time playing golf to the exclusion of other interests and as well people in his life. But then I ask, what great athlete hasn't (ha ha ha). Isn't that how you become great by having that singular focus and depending on the others around you to understand that. To understand that's how you put food on the table and a roof over your head and supply all the luxurious gifts that are lavished. Indeed. Indeed. Faldo has weathered the critisizm, the losses, the heart ache

Driven does describe one of the best players of the past thirty years. His record speaks for itself.However, the impression one gets from reading of Faldo's life is shallowness. Golf, golf, golf. Even his fellow players were not allowed near this guy. Three to four wives? Always in a snit about the press, or James, or?Certainly, he was a good player. Not a Hogan or a Nicklaus or even a Watson. But he had a good run! Yet, nothing enduring about the man outside of his game that will endure him much in the history of the game.Revealing read.