BMW Golf Cup International: “The World Final is pretty darn good” – says the six-time Major Winner Sir Nick Faldo.

Phuket. A World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International would not be complete without one of the world’s top golfers making a special appearance to put on an exclusive golf clinic and present the trophies. And who better to fill this role than a golfer, for whom the word 'successful' comes up well short: Sir Nick Faldo.

Sir Nicholas Alexander Faldo, known to the sporting fraternity simply as Nick Faldo, was the best golfer on the planet in the early 1990s. Faldo won both the Open Championship (1987, 1990, 1992) and the Masters (1989, 1990, 1996) on three occasions. No other European has won six or more Majors since the beginning of the 20th century. Faldo’s dominance during this period was reflected in the world rankings, which he led for a total of 97 weeks – including a proud 81 weeks on the trot between 1992 and 1994. Only Tiger Woods (USA) and Greg Norman (AUS) have spent more time in the number one spot.

In an exclusive interview, the most successful Ryder Cup player to date (11 appearances, 23 wins, four ties) explains what he finds so special about the World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International, how to approach the courses at the Blue Canyon Country Club, and what was the best decision of his life.

Nick, you joined the BMW Golf Cup International World Final several times in the past. What memories did you take away with you?

Nick Faldo: “The World Final is a fantastic event, which BMW organises with great attention to detail. The tournament is run like a professionals event. The amateurs enjoy the highest standard of competition conditions here: Tournament set-up with score and tee boards, a cut after 36 holes, caddies, bags with players’ names and national flags on, shuttle service etc. I am delighted to be a part of it again, and to present the trophies to the winners.” 

For club players the World Final is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you were a club player, could you imagine anything better?

Faldo: “My priceless experience would be the opportunity to play with Hogan, Snead and Trevino! The World Final is pretty darn good!”

BMW is a major worldwide sponsor of professional golf. However, BMW’s commitment to the amateur game goes back even further. How important is that for promoting the game of golf around the world?

Faldo: “I believe in supporting amateur golf on all levels. The sport naturally teaches so many life lessons. What BMW does for golf around the world is pretty cool. Its commitment to the US and the European Tour, organising 800 amateur qualification tournaments per year in 50 different countries is no small feat. And the highlight is this fantastic World Final. Through my own Faldo Series, I have spent the past 18 years developing tomorrow's champions and introducing this great game to new players all over the world. The Faldo Series now in 32 countries is unique in giving boys and girls ages 12 to 21 the opportunity to compete against each other in our Grand Finals!”

Winning teams from 50 countries are coming together in Phuket. Do you consider yourself blessed to have a chance to meet such a variety of people from so many different backgrounds and cultures?

Faldo: “I often say, ‘I chose well when I chose golf.’ Thanks to that choice I have met people from all over the world and all walks of life. And we share this great adventure in golf. From Kings and Queens to Presidents and Prime Ministers to good old salt of the earth characters. I value all the experience all the special people golf has brought to me. As such, I am delighted that our sport will feature in the Olympics in 2016. To be a part of this global event and festival of different cultures is a deserved honour for golf.”

You came close to winning the 1998 Johnnie Walker Classic at the Blue Canyon Country Club. What advice could you pass on for playing there?

Faldo: “It's pretty simply and pretty difficult. Keep it on the fairways, study the wind direction and the grain on the greens!”

As a renowned golf course architect yourself, how would you rate the Blue Canyon courses?

Faldo: “The Blue Canyon Courses are really nice yet really tough resort courses.   As designers we like to apply strategy and memorability!”

If you had one piece of advice for amateur players, what would it be?

Faldo: “I give one piece of advice over and over again; check your alignment to the target!”

You can find images of the World Final of the BMW Golf Cup International in Phuket at: www.bmw-worldfinal.com, under the “Galleries” menu item.

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