Six-time Major winner Nick Faldo aims to wind down after next year’s Ryder Cup in the United States.
The 46-year-old says his body cannot take the punishment any longer after 27 years as a pro.
”I must have taken 100-million swings with a club — that’s no joke. And now I’m competing with guys half my age,” he told The Sun newspaper.
”Most things fall appart after that much use.
”I will be committed 100% for next season leading up to the Ryder Cup. I will still play after next season but it would be impossible for me to give 100% like I am now for the next five years.”
But he still believes he can make next September’s Ryder Cup in Detroit.
And he has his eye on succeeding Bernhard Langer as Ryder Cup captain for Ireland in 2006.
”The Ryder Cup has been a major part of my career. I’ve played in 11 ties so, with all these experiences, it would be a great honour to be captain,” he said.
”I still have my goals and that’s to play as hard as I can,” he added.
”I proved to myself at the Open this summer that I had a hell of a chance of winning. Had I finished the last four holes differently I could have been champion instead of eighth.
Faldo finished four shots off United States winner Ben Curtis at Royal St George’s.
The triple British Open and Masters Masters champion then broke a run of playing in 65 straight Majors when he withdrew from last month’s USPGA championship after becoming a father again. — Sapa-AFP