Golf: Faldo favours competition to get into the swing: Americans rest before Masters as Europeans line up for Freeport
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The week before the first major of the year is a busy one in America, as the fortunate few with invitations to Augusta work out the best way to prepare their games to peak next weekend at the Masters.
When Ian Woosnam won the Masters in 1991, he had spent the previous week winning here. This week, though, he is not among those competing in the Freeport McMoran Classic at English Turn. Instead, along with many others, he is honing his newly adjusted swing at Lake Nona, David Leadbetter's headquarters in Florida.
One of the few not under Leadbetter's eye is his most famous pupil, Nick Faldo, who has decided to compete his way to Masters readiness.
Faldo said on Tuesday: 'Because you see Augusta every year, you know what to do. It's better to be contending and under pressure. Last year my swing wasn't good and I spent too much time on the range and it blew me out of synch.'
Faldo finished fifth last week at The Players' Championship, his fourth tournament of the year, despite a final-round 73. 'I'm quite happy about last week,' he said. 'It would have been nice to hole a couple of putts on the last day, but the putting touch is a bit better now. I'm very happy with my preparations overall.'
Faldo is among eight Europeans competing here, including Jose-Maria Olazabal, Barry Lane, Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance. Most of the leading US Tour players are taking the week off, including Greg Norman, who has finished second here three times.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments