Nick Faldo said his win over Norman in ‘96 was the only time he ever felt sorry for an opponent!
...but who was better and how does history view Greg Norman and Nick Faldo?
What do you think??
As the 2021 Masters gets closer I thought I’d reflect on one of the games best rivalries...
This is quite a difficult decision with many golfers views being split. Personality wise Faldo was not popular among his peers at his peak for his single minded approach to his game and stoic nature.
Sam Torrance was famously quoted as saying Nick Faldo is “an asshole”. In comparison Norman is beloved by many across the world fondly known as “The Great White Shark”.🦈
In terms of golf, Faldo was ranked No. 1 in the world for 87 weeks. He had 41 professional wins including 30 victories on the European Tour and six golf majors.
In contrast Norman spent 331 weeks ranked number 1 golfer in the world rankings. Norman also won 89 professional tournaments, he won two of golfs majors.
Norman was inducted into the golf hall of fame in 2001 reportedly with the highest ever percentage of votes at 80%, so a popular choice.
Faldo was inducted into the golf hall of fame in 1997.
Faldo was widely considered the best golfer during the 90’s and his 6 major victories was more than any other golfer during this time.
The decision of who was the better will come down to how do you rate their performance, wins on tour or major victories.
There were question marks over Norman’s mental strength to see out victory in the major golf tournaments (where it really mattered) with his six shot capitulation to Faldo in the 1996 US Masters a classic example. Faldo would win this one for me.
My overall view though is that it’s a combination of playing success and legacy.
Due to this Norman would top my list. Being world number one for a considerably longer time than Faldo and having a legacy of admiration and fond memories among the majority of golf fans and professionals alike.
What do you think? Norman or Faldo?
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