Faldo passes on tips

A shoulder injury has kept Nick Faldo out of the Nissan Irish Open which started in Co Louth today.

But before he left what would have been his 364th European Tour event the 47-year-old gave some tips to someone playing their first.

James Heath is a 21-year-old amateur who has been hailed as one of Britain’s brightest prospects.

Earlier this season former American college player Heath shattered the record in the 72-hole Lytham Trophy event at Royal Lytham by 10 shots, his 18-under-par total even beating Tom Lehman’s record Open Championship score there by five.

Heath also had a round of 63 in the qualifying stages of the British amateur championship at St Andrews and Faldo said: “I’ve known James since he was about 15 and he’s come on a hell of a lot.

“After a few suggestions two years ago I saw him six months later and thought: ‘Wow.’ He’s here to get some experience, but Lytham showed he knows how to play links golf. He works the ball well and I’ve given him a few pointers on his game plan.”