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Captain Nick Faldo

Anyone seeking to unlock the secret of what makes Nick Faldo tick should look no further than the extraordinary list of achievements inked in the golfing record books. The sheer volume of accomplishments in a career which has ascended to the vertiginous heights of Major Championship triumph on six occasions simply takes the breath away.

More than any other player in his trophy-winning era, which spanned two spectacularly successful decades, Faldo sought perfection with an almost religious zeal: single-minded, ambitious, determined, focused and obsessed.

That relentless pursuit of synchronicityÑtotal control of mind and body, working in harmony with the club and ballÑdrew comparisons with another golfer who achieved iconic status, Ben Hogan. Between 1977 and 1997, Faldo accumulated 39 titles worldwide, including the six Majors which were to define his career and earn him the accolade as one of Great Britain's greatest golfers in history. His record certainly stands favourable comparison with champions from past times such as Harry Vardon, Sir Henry Cotton and Tony Jacklin.

Early professional success was tempered by frustration in the crucible of Major Championship golf and persuaded Faldo to enlist the help of coaching guru, David Leadbetter, with the entreaty: ÒThrow the book at me!Ó Leadbetter duly did, metaphorically, and the new, improved Faldo emerged as a true champion in 1987 when with 18 straight pars in the final round he beat Paul Azinger in The Open Championship at Muirfield.

It was the first of two Open successes at the East Lothian course and the first of manyÑand soon to be continuedÑexaminations with Azinger, his rival Captain in next year's Ryder Cup at Valhalla in Kentucky.

Throughout a prolific period of Major successÑsix titles in nine-year-spanÑthe Faldo mantra was one of dedication, consistency, tempo and a mind of steel as he married a methodical technique to brilliant course management. His 30 European Tour titles included those four in the PGA Championship. Outside the Majors, this was a title Faldo loved to keep under lock and key, being The European Tour's Flagship event, played over the best courses against world class competitors. It was the sort of challenge to make him salivate.

Nowhere, though, has Faldo been more committed than in The Ryder Cup arena. In all, he made 11 appearances between 1977 and 1997 and he still holds the honour of being the all-time record points scorer for Europe with 25, garnered from 23 wins and four halves from 46 starts.

Now he is Europe's team leader, and his legendary attention to detail will ensure that his charges are in peak condition for the 2008 renewal at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Valhalla.

More recently he has become the velvet voice behind the TV commentator's microphone. It just goes to show that no-one should stereotype a man who has proved himself as the dry, often witty and occasionally acerbic, analyst for CBS and the Golf Channel in the United States. All of which goes to underline that Nick Faldo is still enjoying successÑon the fairways and in the television booth.

Full Name: Nicholas Alexander Faldo, MBE
Residence: Orlando, Florida, USA
Birthdate: 18.7.57, Welwyn, Garden City, England
Height/Weight: 6ft 3in / 15st 4lb (191cm 97kgs)
Family: Children: Natalie (1986), Matthew (1989), Georgia (1993), Emma Scarlet (2003)
Interests: Fly fishing, helicopter flying, photography
Turned Professional: 1976