Faldo returns to action in Hong Kong

Nov 19, 2008 - 8:07 PM HONG KONG (Ticker) -- Nick Faldo dusts off the clubs for his first European Tour event in over a year when the UBS Hong Kong Open begins Thursday.

The 51-year-old Englishman has endured an eventful year off the course, as Europe suffered its first Ryder Cup defeat in nine years under his leadership.

Faldo came under heavy criticism for some of his strategy during the competition at Valhalla, but the three-time Masters champion insisted he has no regrets.

"What's been said has been said, so we've moved on," Faldo said. "We're two months on now. I enjoyed it so much that week, it really was a great experience.

"If somewhere down the line there's another opportunity to be captain, I would seriously consider it."

Faldo has fond memories of Hong Kong, having won the Johnnie Walker Classic here in 1990.

He stressed that although he does relish the rare opportunity to get out on the golf course, his regular playing days are behind him.

"I don't miss it now," Faldo said. "I've been in television now for four years, so I've come off the golf course. I'm 51, so I'm quite happy. I had my playing days, and I've moved on to do other things.

"I haven't played since last year competitively. ... It's been a busy year with television and Ryder Cup, but I'm glad to be back out on the golf course for a bit of fun this week."

The UBS Hong Kong Open is the second event in the European Tour's inaugural Race to Dubai.

The top 60 competitors in the Race to Dubai qualify for the Dubai World Championship, which offers a lucrative first prize of $3.6 million.