Sir Nick Faldo undergoes successful open-heart surgery
Sir Nick Faldo, the celebrated British golf champion, has disclosed that he recently underwent successful preventative open-heart surgery in the United States, reports BritPanorama.
The 68-year-old, who claimed six major titles during his distinguished career, travelled to The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio for the scheduled procedure. Renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson performed the operation to repair an enlarged aorta that had been identified in the golfing great.
The surgery was carried out at the world-famous medical facility, with Faldo’s team confirming that the procedure went according to plan. The former Masters champion is now recovering well following the intervention.
Faldo spent a fortnight at the Cleveland facility alongside his wife Lindsay, who accompanied him throughout his recovery. A statement released through Faldo’s social media channels confirmed the couple are now making their way back home after the successful operation. The official announcement read: “After two weeks in Cleveland, Nick Faldo and his wife, Lindsay, are on their way home following a successful, scheduled preventative open-heart surgery to repair his enlarged aorta, performed by world-renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson at The Cleveland Clinic.” The statement concluded with a simple but heartfelt sentiment: “Home never felt so good.”
Faldo has set his sights firmly on returning to Augusta National when the Masters gets underway in April. The occasion holds particular significance as it marks three decades since his memorable triumph at the 1996 tournament, which he plans to commemorate with a celebration dubbed “Six back in ’96”. Beyond the prestigious Georgia event, the Englishman is eager to resume his golf course design business, which has kept him occupied since stepping back from competitive play.
Faldo is widely regarded as one of Britain’s finest ever golfers, having accumulated an impressive 43 tournament victories across a career that spanned more than 20 years. His major championship triumphs included three Green Jackets at Augusta in 1989, 1990, and 1996, alongside three Open Championship titles secured in 1987, 1990, and 1992. Since retiring from competitive golf, he has maintained a prominent presence in the sport through television punditry, becoming a familiar voice on Sky Sports coverage and having served as a broadcaster for CBS until 2022.
The journey of Faldo, a titan of the sport, serves as a tangible reminder of the fragility of even the most formidable athletes. As he approaches a highly anticipated return to the Masters, one can’t help but reflect on how the highs of sporting prowess exist alongside deeply personal battles. A testament to resilience, both on and off the course.