Meeting Sir Nick Faldo  12:00, 12/12/2016

Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for your career with six majors and a Ryder Cup captain, should we call you "Sir Nick" all the time?

I’m for whatever people are comfortable with. I think on formal occasions it’s nice to be addressed with it, but after that I’m quite happy with whatever people call me.

From on course player to mainly on-air golf analyst, how much do you miss competing?

I made a conscious effort when I went to the booth that I wouldn’t sit there and go, ‘Oh, I wish I was out there’. But I’m not geared up for it now, physically or mentally.

Are you comfortable commenting players?

I’m reporting live golf. If I see a guy hit a really good shot, I explain why it’s a good shot, and if I see a guy hit a really lousy shot I say why. I try to be factual. The last thing I want to do is get personal about a guy’s swing.

What do you think about golf in Vietnam?

I heard golf before was only for the rich, but now when the income of Vietnamese increases, we have more golfers. Vietnam has a lot of destinations and locations suitable to build golf courses. With more golf courses, we hope the fee will be reduced so people who love this sport can enjoy it as well.

 With more than 40 golf courses and 100,000 players around the country but only 200 junior golfers, how can junior golfer be grown?

This depends a lot on family support. I am very lucky that I had great support from my parents with the decision to become a professional golfer. I am happy to know that lots of young Vietnamese love golf and that is one of the reasons I will bring the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final for young golfers in March 2017.

Can you tell us more about the Faldo Series?

The Faldo Series launched in 1996 is a worldwide junior competition for male and female golfers aged 12 to 21 to identify future champions. There are over 7,000 participants each year and 38 tournaments in 30 countries in Europe, Asia Pacific, North and South America. It has helped develop Major champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

What are the special aspects of Laguna Golf Lang Co?

Laguna Golf Lang Co is one of the most breathtaking and challenging courses in Asia. This rugged course overlooks one of Vietnam’s most beautiful bays. The thoughtful design plots its way through the changing landscape framed by mountain range on three sides and the East Sea to the west. The Lang Co golfing experience combines the unique environs of rice paddies, soaring trees, “blowout” areas, creeks, streams and dramatic rock outcrops on oceanfront footage.

Your plan in years to come?

I will continue to play golf and doing things related to it like designing golf courses, helping young talent who love this sport. I also intend to play another sport like football. I love football!