Golf Legend Nick Faldo Home After Heart Surgery

Sir Nick Faldo, one of golf’s most celebrated figures, is back home and on the mend after undergoing preventative open-heart surgery to repair an enlarged aorta, a procedure performed by the renowned Dr. Lars Svensson at The Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. The 68-year-old Englishman, whose illustrious career includes six major championships and a total of 43 professional victories worldwide, shared the news on January 16, 2026, through a heartfelt post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

“Headed home,” Faldo’s message began, signaling relief and gratitude after two weeks recovering in the hospital. “After two weeks in Cleveland, Nick Faldo, and his wife, Lindsay, are on their way home following a successful, scheduled preventative open-heart surgery to repair his enlarged aorta, performed by world-renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson at The Cleveland Clinic. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Svensson and his exceptional medical team.” According to BBC, the statement continued, “Nick is now looking ahead to returning to his golf course design work and to the Masters Week in Augusta, GA, where he will be celebrating ‘Six back in '96.’ Home never felt so good.”

This operation, though significant, was not prompted by an immediate medical emergency but was instead a preventative measure to address the risks associated with his enlarged aorta. As reported by Sky Sports, Faldo spent two weeks in Cleveland for the procedure and recovery, accompanied by Lindsay, his wife since 2020. The couple now resides in Montana, far from the spotlight of Augusta’s greens but never far from the heart of the sport.

Faldo’s return home marks a new chapter following a career that has spanned decades and continents. Born in Hertfordshire, he is widely regarded as Britain’s greatest golfer of the modern era and, according to Bunkered and BBC, one of Europe’s finest players ever. His six major titles are split evenly between the Masters—where he donned the Green Jacket in 1989, 1990, and 1996—and The Open Championship, which he claimed in 1987, 1990, and 1992. Reflecting on his 1996 Masters victory, Faldo’s “Six back in '96” phrase references his remarkable comeback against Greg Norman, overturning a six-shot deficit in the final round to secure his third Augusta triumph.

Beyond the majors, Faldo’s influence on golf is underscored by his 43 tournament wins around the globe, a tenure as world number one that lasted 97 weeks, and his 1997 induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame. The PGA named him Player of the Year in 1990, cementing his legacy among the sport’s elite.

Since stepping back from competitive play, Faldo has remained a familiar face to golf fans through his television work. He served as a lead analyst for CBS in the United States until his retirement from the network in 2022 and has been a regular pundit for Sky Sports, especially during major tournaments and Ryder Cup coverage. His expertise and dry wit have made him a beloved figure in the broadcast booth, as noted by Sky Sports and other outlets.

But Faldo’s passion for golf extends well beyond commentary. In recent years, he has dedicated much of his energy to golf course design, a pursuit he plans to resume now that he is recovering. “Nick is now looking ahead to returning to his golf course design work,” his social media post reiterated, and his team has promised further updates on his recovery in the coming weeks.

The timing of his surgery and recovery is especially significant. April 2026 will mark the 30th anniversary of his iconic 1996 Masters win, a milestone Faldo clearly intends to celebrate in Augusta, Georgia. “If all goes well, we hope to see the three-time Green Jacket winner in April,” one report optimistically noted, echoing the sentiments of fans and colleagues alike.

Faldo’s journey through surgery and recovery has been met with an outpouring of support from the golf community and beyond. His expression of “deep gratitude” for Dr. Svensson and the Cleveland Clinic’s medical team is a recurring theme in every statement, highlighting the importance of expert care and the bonds formed in moments of vulnerability. “Home never felt so good,” Faldo wrote, a simple phrase that speaks volumes about the relief and hope he feels as he returns to familiar surroundings.

Reflecting on his achievements, it’s easy to understand why Faldo’s story resonates so deeply. He was knighted in 2009 for his services to golf, an honor that recognized not just his victories but his contributions to the sport’s growth and popularity. His career, marked by determination and resilience, now includes a new chapter of personal health and reflection—one that many fans will watch with admiration and empathy.

Throughout his time away from competition and commentary, Faldo has remained a mentor and ambassador for golf. His design projects, many of which bear his signature approach to strategy and aesthetics, are scattered across the globe. As he looks ahead to resuming this work, his recovery stands as a testament to both modern medicine and the enduring spirit of a champion.

For those who have followed his journey—from the fairways of Augusta to the broadcast booths of CBS and Sky Sports—Faldo’s successful surgery and optimistic outlook are cause for celebration. As Bunkered aptly put it, “We will keep you updated on Nick’s recovery in the coming weeks on our social media channels.” It’s a sentiment shared by many, eager to see one of golf’s greats back in action, whether designing courses or sharing insights from the sidelines.

With the Masters on the horizon and a milestone anniversary to mark, Faldo’s focus is firmly on the future. His gratitude, humility, and determination offer inspiration not just to golfers, but to anyone facing a daunting challenge. As he put it so succinctly, “Home never felt so good.”