Faldo to miss first British Open for over 30 years

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

WENTWORTH, England (AFP) — Nick Faldo will not play in the British Open this year for the first time since he failed to qualify as an amateur in 1975.

Faldo, a three-time British Open champion, wants to concentrate on his new role as Europe's Ryder Cup captain instead of competing at Birkdale.

The 50-year-old, whose last tournament was in Hong Kong in November, said: "I will play The Open again, but this year I need to concentrate."

Faldo made his Open debut at Birkdale 32 years ago, finishing 28th, but his victories all came in Scotlannd - at Muirfield in 1987 and 1992 and St Andrews in 1990.

He was paired with Tiger Woods in the first two rounds at Hoylake only two years ago, but missed the cut just as he did at Carnoustie last year.

© 2008 AFP