Faldo to turn out at British Open

Nick Faldo has officially entered what will be his 33rd Open and 96th major championship at Turnberry in July.

Three-time champion Faldo missed last year’s event for the first time since he failed to qualify as an amateur in 1975, but that was because he was Ryder Cup captain and wanted to study potential candidates.

The 51-year-old then turned down a Masters return in April because of television commitments, but will be competing at Turnberry for the fourth time in an Open.

He was 62nd in 1977 – the famous “Duel in the Sun” in which Tom Watson beat Jack Nicklaus – fifth in 1986 and eighth in 1994.

Faldo closed with a 64 then, but had left himself too much to do after an opening 75 that included two penalty strokes for hitting the ball of playing partner Jim McGovern rather than his own in the rough on the long 17th.

Watson, now 59, and 1986 winner Greg Norman, a memorable third at Birkdale a year ago at the age of 53, have also entered, but 1996 champion Nick Price is not expected to play.