Faldo offers major help to young Europeans

NICK FALDO wants to help Europe’s up-and-coming stars end a barren run in the majors that now stretches back over four seasons.

Faldo returns to action after the birth of his fourth child in this week's NEC world championship in Ohio, his sequence of successive majors having ended at 65 when he chose to stay at home rather than play in last week's United States PGA championship.

The event saw American Shaun Micheel make it five first-time major winners in a row but none of them was European. The last was Paul Lawrie at the 1999 British Open.

"Everybody is talking about how Tiger has gone down, but he has inspired an awful lot of guys to come up," Faldo said. "Golfers are turning into athletes now."

Asked what Europe's current crop might be lacking Faldo joked: "They are not built like NF, are they!"

He then added more seriously: "I think it's a little bit of everything. It's understanding the commitment required and I'd like to help them, if they want to come and seek my advice."

Winner of six majors himself between 1987 and 1996, the 46-year-old practiced with Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Paul Casey at last month's Open and was out with Poulter again at Firestone yesterday.

"There's plenty of talent in Europe, but it's putting it all together. Rather than just being talented golfers you have to be better prepared physically, mentally, technically - all those areas."

As for Poulter, Faldo said: "He's obviously got a great dedication he spends a couple of hours every morning getting his hair right! He's just got to get the same dedication on the course."

The 27-year-old is still sporting his wacky blond and chocolate swirl on top of his head he insists he spends only a few minutes on it and appreciated Greg Norman telling him last week: "Don't you ever change."

Poulter wants to be known more for his golf than his hair, however, and after winning the Nordic Open two weeks ago was disappointed not to do better at Oak Hill last week. He was 61st after dropping six shots in his last four holes. "I four-putted the 15th, three-putted the next two and bogeyed the last for good measure, but I don't dwell on things too much. I just look forward to the days coming."

Former world number one Faldo squeezed into this week's 86-strong field by virtue of being 50th on the world rankings last week. It is his first appearance since the British Open and his first world championship since he lost to Woods in the first round of the Match Play event in California in 1999.

He lasted only 15 holes there, but this week is guaranteed the full 72 - "unless I get disqualified or do something stupid".

Since Sandwich, baby Emma has come first.

"To be there for the first smiles already, that is worth it. At this stage of my life and career it's definitely more important.

"But I've been power walking and biking at least five times a week. I needed to get my stamina back and this is the test. I've done bits and bobs of practice, but not quite enough really."