Golf legend Sir Nick Faldo is recovering after undergoing a scheduled open-heart procedure. The six-time major winner shared the update from home via Instagram.

The 68-year-old opened with: “Headed Home.”

Faldo spent two weeks in Cleveland after undergoing preventative open-heart surgery at the Cleveland Clinic, where Dr. Lars Svensson repaired an enlarged aorta.

In his post, the Englishman said he was “deeply grateful” to the medical team. He added that he is focused on recovery while looking ahead to returning to his course design work and attending the Master's in April.

The post also confirmed the three-time Masters champion is expected to attend Augusta National in April for the major.

Nick said he is looking forward to returning to his golf course design work and plans to be at Masters Week in Augusta, Georgia, where he will celebrate “Six back in ’96.” He added, “Home never felt so good.”

Sir Nick Faldo last competed at the Masters Tournament in 2006. He stepped away that year, at the age of 49, to focus on his broadcasting role with CBS. 

Although Faldo has a lifetime exemption as a three-time champion, he has not returned to the field, explaining that he no longer had the “nerve” required to compete at Augusta National.

Following the surgery, he is expected to attend the Masters in April to mark the 30th anniversary of his 1996 victory.

Faldo has also dealt with setbacks in the past, including an elbow injury that forced him to withdraw.

Sir Nick Faldo Withdraws From Champions Tour Appearance After Elbow Injury

Faldo pulled out after 12 holes at the 2013 SAS Championship in Cary, N.C., saying he tweaked a torn capsule while making a gesture during a putt on the sixth hole. 

He was 1 over par when he reached the 13th tee, where he shook hands with his playing partners, Kenny Perry and Tom Kite, before leaving the course.

“I really wanted to play. I was all geared up,” Faldo said. “I want to play good golf, but I can’t play with one arm.”

What’s your favorite Nick Faldo golf moment?

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Joyita Das