​No one has enjoyed more success at The Open Championship over the past four decades than Sir Nick Faldo, the Englishman who lifted the Claret Jug three times in his illustrious career. Faldo claimed half of his six major titles on British soil, including his first major victory at Muirfield in 1987, where he famously posted 18 pars in the final round. That same venue would later witness his third Open Championship triumph in 1992, while Faldo had already secured victory at St Andrews two years earlier. In the world of links golf, there are few figures from whom amateurs can learn more about the subtle skills required to navigate these courses.
As Royal Birkdale prepares to host the upcoming rounds, many players will attempt the knockdown shot, a technique designed to lower the ball’s trajectory to minimize wind influence. Faldo, speaking in a video on his own YouTube channel while he assessed Birkdale, outlined what amateurs should aim to do if they want to produce a punchy, lower-flying shot. The moments referenced include his observations and tips on adapting to the changes at the course.
“Seventh hole, par three, changes abound. The old tee is 100 yards away in a different direction, and the hole has undergone a transformation. It used to be flat; now they’ve moved up the hill, and the green has been completely rebuilt with raised contours and expanded roll-offs. Being perched on top of the hill, everything is exposed. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Faldo explained. He then demonstrated the knockdown shot, noting that the hole plays at about 140 yards, adjusted to 135, which would translate to a nine-iron in his layout—though he suggested choosing an extra club and using a confident, controlled swing.
“Take an eight-iron, one club more,” he advised. “At the top of the backswing, place your right thumb in your right ear, keep the right knee firm, and maintain soft arms—almost as if you’re relaxing into the shot. A subtle break with the wrists can help, and you should repeat the motion through impact. The same cue—right thumb into your left ear—will guide the follow-through.” It’s worth noting that Faldo struck a superb shot that landed just short of the pin, a reminder that his touch remains exceptional.
As the tournament draws nearer, much attention will be paid to the draw for the opening two rounds in Southport. The starting group can influence who lifts the Claret Jug on Sunday. For example, Wyndham Clark benefited from kicking off his U.S. Open round late on Thursday, a reminder that draw dynamics can become a factor in major championships. Yet at Royal Birkdale, the impact of the draw may be less pronounced than in other venues, particularly given the current conditions in the United Kingdom—a heatwave that has persisted across much of the country.
Meteorological outlooks from the Met Office suggest Thursday will bring fairly consistent conditions, with cooler air for those in the morning wave. Winds are forecast to be light, not exceeding about 10 miles per hour, and Friday is expected to present a similar pattern. Taken together, these conditions indicate that Royal Birkdale will present one of the fairest tests of links golf in recent memory, offering a balanced challenge for contenders and an excellent stage for Faldo’s enduring wisdom and any aspiring amateurs who study his approach.