There aren’t many golfers whose life after retirement generates as much curiosity as Nick Faldo’s. Sir Nick, one of golf’s most decorated champions, has spent the past few years living quietly on a ranch in Montana — a far cry from the roar of Augusta.
Major championships won: 6 (Golfweek, a leading US golf publication) · Residence: Big Sky, Montana (Golfweek) · Heart surgery: 2023 (The Times, a British news outlet)
Quick snapshot
- Exact net worth (public estimates vary, no official disclosure)
- Full details of ongoing commentary contracts (not public)
- 1996: Wins sixth major (Masters) after overcoming Greg Norman (Yahoo Sports)
- 2023: Undergoes open‑heart surgery (The Times)
- 2024: Releases private texts with Greg Norman (briefingroom.uk)
- Plans to resume golf‑course design work (Golfweek)
- Expected to attend Masters week in Augusta (The Times)
Six facts that define Nick Faldo’s recent profile, one pattern: health, legacy, and unresolved rivalries remain the dominant themes.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Current residence | Big Sky, Montana, USA (Golfweek) |
| Major championships | 6 (3 Open Championships, 3 Masters) (Golfweek) |
| Recent heart surgery | 2023, performed at Cleveland Clinic (The Times; Yahoo Sports) |
| Surgery location | Cleveland Clinic (Yahoo Sports) |
| Surgeon | Dr. Lars Svensson (Golf Monthly) |
| Spouse | Lindsay De Marco (married 2017) (GolfMagic) |
What has happened to Nick Faldo?
Recent health and surgery update
- In early 2023, Faldo revealed he underwent open‑heart surgery to repair an enlarged aorta, a procedure described as preventative (Golfweek).
- The surgery took place at the Cleveland Clinic, performed by Dr. Lars Svensson (Golf Monthly).
- Faldo spent about two weeks in Cleveland before returning to his Montana ranch to recover (GolfMagic).
Faldo’s openness about his heart surgery at age 66 could encourage other men to seek preventative care, especially given that an enlarged aorta is often symptomless until it becomes critical.
The implication: a veteran champion using his platform to model health transparency.
Life after professional golf
- Since retiring from full‑time competition, Faldo has divided his time between golf‑course design, occasional commentary, and his family in Montana (Golfweek).
- He owns a practice facility near his Big Sky home and designs courses internationally under the Faldo Design brand.
Current role as commentator and designer
- Faldo continues to work as a golf commentator for major networks, though specific contract details are not public (Golf Monthly).
- After recovery, he said he expects to return to course‑design projects and attend the Masters in Augusta (The Times).
How wealthy is Nick Faldo?
Exact figures are not publicly disclosed, but Faldo’s six major championship victories and decades of endorsements have made him one of the more affluent figures in golf. His estimated net worth is reported to be in the tens of millions, though sources vary (Golf Monthly notes the range of speculation).
Career earnings and endorsements
- Faldo earned over $6 million in PGA Tour prize money alone during his playing career (Golfweek).
- Major endorsements with equipment brands and luxury goods added substantial income.
Sources of wealth
- Prize money, endorsements, course‑design fees, and broadcasting contracts.
- His Montana ranch and UK properties are among his known assets.
How many times did Nick Faldo marry?
Current marriage
- Faldo is currently married to Lindsay De Marco, whom he wed in 2017 (GolfMagic).
- Lindsay has been a visible supporter, sharing updates during his heart surgery recovery.
Previous marriages
- According to biographical records, Faldo has been married three times — his first two marriages were to Melanie Rockall and Gillian Bennett (GolfMagic implies the current marriage is his third).
- He has four children from his previous relationships.
Why doesn’t Greg Norman like Nick Faldo?
Origins of rivalry
- The Faldo‑Norman rivalry intensified after the 1996 Masters, where Faldo came from six strokes back to win, while Norman collapsed (Yahoo Sports).
- Norman has since criticised Faldo’s broadcasting style and legacy (Golf Monthly).
Recent text message exchange
- In 2024, Faldo reportedly released private text messages he had exchanged with Norman, which reignited the feud (briefingroom.uk).
- The texts were said to reflect differing views on golf governance and personal respect.
A rivalry that peaked on the course nearly three decades ago now plays out in media statements and text messages, revealing that neither man has let go of the past.
The pattern: a generational feud refuses to fade, becoming a late-career signature for both men.
Where does Nick Faldo live today?
Montana residence
- Faldo owns a large ranch near Big Sky, Montana, where he lives with his wife Lindsay (Golfweek).
- The property includes a private golf practice facility, allowing him to stay connected to the sport.
Other properties
- He also maintains a home in the United Kingdom, though he spends most of the year in Montana.
- His lifestyle is intentionally private, a contrast with his former touring life.
Timeline: Key events in Nick Faldo’s recent life
- : Wins sixth major (The Masters) after rallying against Greg Norman (Yahoo Sports)
- : Marries Lindsay De Marco (GolfMagic)
- : Undergoes open‑heart surgery at Cleveland Clinic (The Times)
- : Releases private text messages with Greg Norman (briefingroom.uk)
What we know and what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Six major championships won
- Open‑heart surgery in 2023
- Residence in Big Sky, Montana
- Married to Lindsay De Marco since 2017
- Active in golf course design and commentary
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth (estimates vary)
- Full details of commentary contracts
- Future level of media visibility
Perspectives on Faldo’s journey
“I’m closing in on a full recovery and plan to get back to designing golf courses.”
Nick Faldo, as reported by Golfweek, a leading US golf publication
“Norman has described Faldo’s broadcasting style as lacking insight.”
Source cited in Golf Monthly
For the golf world, the story of Nick Faldo’s later years is not just about a legend’s health or a lingering feud — it’s about how a champion chooses to step away, and the unforeseen ways he remains in the spotlight. For Greg Norman, the release of private texts was a reminder that Faldo is not afraid to revisit old battles, even from his quiet perch in Montana. The trade‑off is clear: a private life doesn’t mean a silent one.
progolfweekly.com, fijivillage.com, gmx.com, gbnews.com, themirror.com, golfweek.usatoday.com, marketuk.uk
Frequently asked questions
What is Nick Faldo doing now?
He lives in Montana, works on golf course design, and provides occasional golf commentary. He is recovering from heart surgery and plans to attend the Masters.
Did Nick Faldo have heart surgery?
Yes, he underwent open‑heart surgery in 2023 at the Cleveland Clinic to repair an enlarged aorta. The procedure was successful (The Times).
How many children does Nick Faldo have?
He has four children from his previous marriages (GolfMagic).
Is Nick Faldo still married?
Yes, he has been married to Lindsay De Marco since 2017.
Why did Greg Norman and Nick Faldo fall out?
The rift stems from their 1996 Masters showdown and has been fuelled by subsequent public comments. In 2024, Faldo released private texts with Norman, reigniting the feud (briefingroom.uk).
What did Nick Faldo say about Rory McIlroy?
Faldo has publicly praised McIlroy and offered career advice, though no direct recent quote is on record.
Where did Nick Faldo grow up?
He was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England.
How tall is Nick Faldo?
He is 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) (Golfweek).
Related reading: Bryson DeChambeau: Wife, Rory McIlroy Feud, and Net Worth · James Hunt: Cause of Death, Net Worth & Lauda Rivalry
Harry Thompson is Senior Reporter at PublicReport, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.