Nick Faldo reveals Greg Norman’s ‘weakness’ that he saw on the 2nd tee on Sunday at the 1996 Masters
Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images Nick Faldo won six majors throughout his career, but his come-from-behind victory against Greg Norman at The Masters in 1996 was undoubtedly the most unexpected of the lot. 30 years ago, Faldo began the final round at Augusta National six shots back of the champion-elect, Norman. However, the Englishman ended up beating the Australian by five shots after shooting a sublime round of 67 on the final day of The Masters.
Nick Faldo has often said that round of 67 was the greatest of his life and it’s no surprise that he thinks that. 14 Apr 1996: Nick Faldo of England and Greg Norman of Australia stand together on the third tee during the final round of the 1996 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Mandatory Credit: David Cannon/Allsport Faldo is one of the greatest European players of all time, and the three Masters wins he has to his name have been bettered by only three men – Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer.
The Englishman now gets to return to Augusta National every single year as a result of his success in the tournament, while Norman will never get to experience what that feels like. Nick Faldo quickly noticed Greg Norman’s ‘weakness’ on Sunday at the 1996 Masters Faldo spoke about the final round of the 1996 Masters during a special documentary on Sky Sports in the UK. The six-time major winner explained the moment when he knew he had a real chance of overturning the deficit he faced.
“ I thought if I could get within three with nine to play I’d be alright, “ Faldo said. “ I had the freedom because I was chasing and I had great consistency in my game. I knew what I was doing and I knew how to do it.
“ It was just a case of go and get on with it. “ Greg had the honor on one and he knocked it in the trees left and I made a good, solid four, so I got one back straight away. 14 Apr 1996: Nick Faldo of England reacts to his putt as Greg Norman of Australia looks on at the 10th green during the final round of the 1996 US Masters Championships at the Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia.