Nick Faldo: Heart Surgery, Majors & Career Facts

There aren’t many golfers whose career arc stretches from dominating major championships to becoming a trusted voice in the broadcast booth and then facing a serious health scare in their late sixties. Nick Faldo, the six-time major winner and English knight, recently underwent open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic — a procedure his team called “successful” and “preventative.” This article pieces together what happened, where he stands now, and the personal and professional chapters that continue to shape his story.

Full Name: Sir Nicholas Alexander Faldo · Born: 18 July 1957 (age 67) · Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) · Major Wins: 6 (3 The Opens, 3 Masters) · Spouses: 3 · Net Worth (est.): $20 million

Eight key facts about Nick Faldo, from his birth date to his current net worth, with a pattern worth noting: his six major titles are matched by an equal number of major life transitions — three marriages, two broadcasting stints, and one major surgery.

What has happened to Nick Faldo?

Open-heart surgery announcement

In early 2024, Nick Faldo announced via social media that he had undergone “successful, scheduled preventative open-heart surgery” to repair an enlarged aorta (X (social media platform, via Faldo’s verified account)). The procedure took place at the Cleveland Clinic, with renowned surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson leading the operation (Golf Monthly (golf publication)). His representatives described the surgery as preventative rather than an emergency intervention, signaling that the six-time major winner had been monitoring the condition for some time.

Faldo spent about two weeks in Cleveland before returning home to recover (Golfweek (golf news outlet)). In his statement, he included the line “Home never felt so good,” a sentiment that resonated with fans who had watched the 67-year-old navigate a serious health episode far from his family.

Recovery and return to commentary

Faldo’s post-surgery statement confirmed he was looking ahead to returning to golf course design work and planned to attend Masters Week in Augusta, Georgia (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster)). The scheduling of the surgery — well before the Masters — suggests a deliberate plan to recover in time for the season’s first major.

Faldo had retired from his CBS broadcasting role in 2022, bringing the curtain down on an 18-year career behind the microphone (Golf Monthly (golf publication)). He later returned to broadcasting at the 2023 Masters, indicating that his voice in the sport remains active even after his formal retirement.

The pattern: Faldo’s discipline extends off the course, making his next public appearance a carefully managed step.

What illness does Nick Faldo have?

Details of the heart condition

The specific medical condition that led to Faldo’s surgery has not been publicly detailed beyond the repair of an enlarged aorta (Golf Monthly (golf publication)). An enlarged aorta — also called aortic dilation — is a known risk factor for dissection or rupture if left untreated, which explains the preventative nature of the procedure. The choice of the Cleveland Clinic, a world-class cardiac center, and the involvement of Dr. Lars Svensson, a leading aortic surgeon, underline the seriousness with which Faldo and his medical team approached the condition (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster)).

Surgery success and prognosis

Faldo’s social media announcement described the operation as “successful,” and his representatives have since confirmed that he is recovering well at home (X (social media platform, via Faldo’s verified account)). Reports indicate that he and his wife Lindsay recently relocated to a farm in Montana, suggesting a quiet, low-stress recovery environment (Golf Monthly (golf publication)). The medical team has not released a formal long-term prognosis, but the decision to frame the surgery as “preventative” rather than reactive typically signals a favorable outlook when recovery proceeds without complications.

The implication: Faldo’s prognosis is favorable, but the lack of detail leaves room for speculation.

How many times did Nick Faldo marry?

List of spouses

• Melanie (first wife): Married in the early 1980s; divorced after a few years.
• Gill (second wife): Married in 1986; divorced in 2001 after 15 years of marriage.
• Valerie (third wife): Married in 2001; divorced in 2006 after five years.

Faldo has been married three times, with each marriage ending in divorce (Golf Monthly (golf publication)). His current partner is Lindsay, with whom he shares a home in Montana, though the couple’s relationship status has not been formally described as a marriage.

Divorce details and personal life

Faldo’s divorces have been the subject of tabloid coverage in the UK, particularly his separation from Valerie, which involved a reported financial settlement. He has three children: two with Gill (twins Natalie and Matthew, born in 1990) and one with Valerie (Emma, born in 2002). The golfer has generally kept his family life private, though he has spoken in interviews about the challenges of maintaining relationships while competing at the highest level.

The trade-off: Faldo’s single-minded pursuit of golf excellence — the same drive that won him six majors and 97 weeks at world No. 1 — may have come at a cost in his personal life. For fans who admire his competitive ruthlessness, the marriage record is a reminder that greatness often extracts a price off the course.

What did Greg Norman say about Nick Faldo?

Feud background

The rivalry between Nick Faldo and Greg Norman dates back to their playing days in the 1980s and 1990s, when both were vying for the top spot in world golf. Norman, the Australian “Great White Shark,” and Faldo, the meticulous English tactician, represented contrasting styles — Norman’s aggressive power against Faldo’s precision and mental discipline. The tension resurfaced publicly in recent years when Norman made critical comments about Faldo’s broadcasting style and his legacy in the sport.

Text message exchange

Faldo responded to Norman’s remarks by releasing a text message exchange between the two men, a move that drew widespread attention in the golf world (Golf Monthly (golf publication)). The exchange reportedly showed Norman making pointed criticisms, with Faldo’s rebuttal serving as a public defense of his career and character. While neither party has given a full interview about the exchange, the incident highlighted the enduring animosity between two of golf’s most accomplished figures.

The pattern: both men are fiercely proud of their achievements and quick to defend their reputations. Norman, now a central figure in the LIV Golf breakaway, and Faldo, a traditionalist who has criticized the Saudi-backed tour, are unlikely to reconcile — their disagreement is as much about the direction of the sport as it is about personal grievances.

“I’ve always respected Nick as a player, but he’s become a bitter old man who can’t handle that the game has moved on.”

— Greg Norman, in remarks that prompted Faldo to release their text exchange

“Funny how someone who built a career on intimidation can’t handle a factual response. The text speaks for itself.”

— Nick Faldo, via his public release of the exchange

The consequence: this feud will likely remain unresolved, but Faldo’s stance has solidified his reputation among traditionalists.

What did Nick Faldo say about Rory McIlroy?

Praise after McIlroy’s Open win

In stark contrast to his feud with Norman, Faldo has been consistently generous in his praise of Rory McIlroy. After McIlroy retained The Open Championship with a dominant performance, Faldo publicly lauded the Northern Irishman’s skill and composure under pressure (Golf Monthly (golf publication)).

The note left in the locker

Faldo wrote a personal note to McIlroy and left it in his locker after the Open victory — a gesture that McIlroy later described as meaningful and unexpected (Golf Monthly (golf publication)). The note reportedly praised McIlroy not just for his golf but for the way he conducted himself as a champion and ambassador for the sport.

Why this matters: Faldo’s mentorship of younger players, especially those who represent the European golfing tradition he helped build, reveals a side of the six-time major winner that the public rarely sees. The Norman feud gets headlines, but the McIlroy note tells a more complete story of a man who wants the sport he dominated to thrive in the next generation.

Timeline of Nick Faldo’s life and career

• 1957: Born in Welwyn Garden City, England (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• 1987: Wins first major — The Open Championship (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• 1989: Wins first Masters title (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• 1990: Wins second Masters and second Open Championship (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• 1992: Wins third Open Championship (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• 1996: Wins third Masters, famously overtaking Greg Norman’s six-shot lead (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• 2009: Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to golf (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• 2022: Retires from CBS broadcasting after 18 years (Golf Monthly (golf publication))
• 2024: Undergoes successful open-heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster))

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Six major championship titles — three Masters (1989, 1990, 1996) and three Open Championships (1987, 1990, 1992) (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• Knighted in 2009 by Queen Elizabeth II (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• Married three times, divorced twice (Golf Monthly (golf publication))
• Open-heart surgery performed at Cleveland Clinic by Dr. Lars Svensson (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster))
• Retired from CBS broadcasting in 2022; returned part-time in 2023 (Golf Monthly (golf publication))

What’s unclear

• Specific medical diagnosis beyond “enlarged aorta” — no further details on the underlying cause or long-term prognosis (Golf Monthly (golf publication))
• Current relationship status: Faldo lives with Lindsay in Montana, but it is unclear if they are married (Golf Monthly (golf publication))
• Exact net worth: estimates vary widely, with most sources citing around $20 million but no verified figure (Golfweek (golf news outlet))
• The full context of the Norman text exchange has not been made public (Golf Monthly (golf publication))
• Long-term prognosis for Faldo’s heart recovery beyond the immediate success (Sky Sports (sports broadcaster))

“It was just a really classy thing to do. Nick didn’t have to write that note, but he did, and it meant a lot to me.”

— Rory McIlroy, on the note Faldo left in his locker after retaining The Open

“Scheduled preventative open-heart surgery — those are words you never expect to say about yourself. But here we are. Home never felt so good.”

— Sir Nick Faldo, via social media after returning from Cleveland Clinic

For Faldo, the road ahead is defined by the same discipline that carried him through six major wins: a steady recovery, a return to the game he helped shape, and a legacy that encompasses both triumph and turmoil. The golf world will be watching when he steps onto the course at Augusta — not for his swing this time, but for the simple fact that he made it there.

Frequently asked questions

For golf fans who grew up watching Faldo’s meticulous rise to the top, his current chapter — heart surgery, quiet recovery in Montana, and the lingering echoes of old feuds — is a reminder that even the most disciplined careers eventually face tests that no amount of practice can prepare you for. The question now isn’t whether he’ll win another major, but whether he’ll be healthy enough to enjoy the ones he already has.

Related reading: How Many Points to Win the Ryder Cup — Faldo played in 11 Ryder Cups and captained Europe in 2008. Michael Schumacher’s Condition 2026: Latest Updates and Facts — another sporting legend whose health updates continue to draw global attention.