Golf: Faldo listens to wise words

Saturday 05 December 1998 01:02 GMT
Comments

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.

NICK FALDO profited from some advice from an Australian golfing legend, Norman von Nida, to reverse his fortunes with the day's best round at the Australian Open in Adelaide.

While Greg Norman could only produce a second-round 82 to just survive to the weekend, and England's young hope Justin Rose missed his ninth successive cut since turning professional, Faldo moved to within five strokes of the surprise leader, Paul Gow, with an impressive three-under- par 69.

Faldo, six times a major winner, looked set for an early exit after a dire opening round of 77. But the 41-year-old turned things round yesterday as he mastered blustery conditions to move into joint 10th place with a two-over total of 146.

Faldo was grateful to the 84-year-old Von Nida for his expertise: "I met Norman a few moons ago but he just came up yesterday and gave me his two-penny's worth, and I am very grateful. His analysis was absolutely spot on.

"He found me after the 18th yesterday and was very complimentary about my game - but he said my grip pressure in my left hand was too tight. He gave me a little putting lesson as well."

Von Nida, now a frail figure with failing eyesight, was one of Australia's leading golfers in the 1950s, claiming his national title three times, including two wins over the five-times Open champion, Peter Thomson.

Faldo's form was in marked contrast to Rose, who missed the cut by a shot on 153 after slumping to a second-round 81 to add to his level-par opening 72. The teenager, who finished fourth at this year's Open, missed out after a double-bogey six on the final hole.

Scores, Digest, page 25

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in