Now it's 'Nike' Faldo

Faldo - contract with Nike.

The six times major champion has signed a contract to play Nike clubs and ball and have the billion dollar company support his Faldo Junior Series, which produced the likes of Nick Dougherty.

"We’re absolutely delighted," an insider told me. "He fits the bill perfectly. While Tiger Woods may be the idol of the young golfers, Nick Faldo is still a hero with slightly older players. They can relate to him."

Faldo will be revealed to the media at a special news conference in London later today, when Nike UK’s latest products, including a new ball will be revealed.

"Players on Tour, who have tested the ball are raving about it," said my source.

Faldo turned professional in 1976 after a sparkling amateur career in which he won the British Youth and English Amateur championships. After winning several pro events he decided to re-vamp his golfswing under the guidance of David Leadbetter and returned to claim three Open Championships (1987, ’90 and 92) and three US Masters (1989, ’90 and ’96).

He made a record 11 Ryder Cup appearances and won the 1997 Nissan Open on the US Tour but despite winning the World Cup a year later, his career temporarily nose-dived until 2001 when, re-united with his caddie Fanny Sunesson and after marrying for the third time, he finished third in the Volvo PGA.

With a 14th place finish in the 2002 Masters and 5th in the US Open, Faldo proved he was back on top.

Now, after a flirtation with television commentary at The Belfry last September, he plans to play his way back into the European Ryder Cup team in 2004 and claim at least another European Tour title.

Added my Nike source: "He really loves the clubs and we all think he could have another major championship in him."

He has previously been associated with a range of companies, including Pringle with whom he had a long-term clothing contract and Adams Golf, with whom there was an acrimonious split after he had designed a range wedges.