‘Donald Trump always picks up when I call – he even snubbed Tiger Woods for me’

English golf legend Sir Nick Faldo shares an unlikely bromance with President Donald Trump and regularly speaks with the 78-year-old despite his busy political career

Donald Trump and Sir Nick Faldo have been close for years(Image: Getty Images)

Sir Nick Faldo has revealed the depth of his longstanding friendship with Donald Trump, a bond so strong that the president once prioritized a call with him over Tiger Woods.

Trump – whose fiery public spat with Elon Musk has left a ‘best friend’ vacancy that Faldo might be eyeing – is an avid golf fan and enthusiastic player. And like many, he was captivated by Faldo’s remarkable talent and success during the 80s and 90s.

The two first connected decades ago, well before Trump’s political career, and have maintained a close bond ever since. “[He calls me] Nicky,” Faldo, who won six major golf titles, told The Telegraph.

The 67-year-old went on to mimic Trump during one of their frequent golf-related phone conversations. “‘Nicky, how did he blow that tournament? You wouldn’t have done that, Nicky. You’d have done this, you’d have done that, Nicky.’

“Over 10 years, that happened two or three times a year out of the blue… When the president of the United States wants to talk majors, you answer.”

Demonstrating their closeness, Faldo said Trump contacted him before reaching out to Woods – who has a similarly chummy relationship with the 78-year-old – after Tiger’s incredible Masters triumph in 2019. Faldo was live on CBS at the time, initially swerving the call.

Trump phoned Faldo before Woods after Tiger’s Masters win in 2019, something Nick says he’s proud of(Image: Getty Images)

He told the staff member: “Tell him that I’m busy, I’m on with [Jim] Nantz!” After later picking up the phone, Faldo gave the president a scolding. He recalled: “I go back: ‘Do you realize that I’m live on flipping TV! Do you mind!’ So my claim to fame is that he called two golfers on that day, and Tiger was second.”

He even insisted Trump picks up the phone whenever he calls, adding that, sometimes, he does it for fun when someone mentions Trump’s name or makes a bold claim about him.

Their unlikely camaraderie began over a decade ago with a light-hearted stunt at Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland, where Faldo was tasked with hitting a golf ball off a tee placed in the mouth of a prone Trump impersonator.

It was reported in 2013 that Trump had hired Faldo to redesign his Red and Gold golf courses at the Doral resort and spa in Miami. Around that time, Faldo described his relationship with Trump as “entertaining”, adding that it was “delightful” to work with him.

Faldo claims Trump answers the phone whenever he calls(Image: Getty Images)

Faldo’s wife, Lindsay De Marco, a former dancer and ardent Trump supporter, has further strengthened their bond, often posting her support for Trump on social media.

The couple attended a Trump campaign rally last year, where the Republican leader praised Faldo on stage, calling him “a major friend of mine, one of the best ever” and highlighting his knighthood for services to sport. Trump even suggested a potential political role for Faldo, saying: “I’d like to bring him into government.”

Now settled on a Montana farm, Faldo has embraced life in the U.S., praising its “great attitude” while expressing reluctance to return to his native UK. He recounted a recent walk down Eton High Street that left him disillusioned with Britain.

Faldo and his wife, Lindsay De Marco, are big Trump supporters(Image: Getty Images)

Meanwhile, his connection with Trump remains robust, often centered at Trump’s Bedminster golf club in New Jersey, nicknamed the ‘Summer White House,’ where the president frequently lands his helicopter to unwind.

Despite Trump’s polarizing policies, Faldo’s loyalty endures. Their friendship, rooted in a shared passion for golf, has proven as resilient as Faldo’s form at the height of his career.

Only 11 men have clinched more majors than Faldo, who won three Masters titles and three Open Championships between 1987 and 1996. He’s the most successful British golfer of the modern era, with Rory McIlroy now a close second on five majors.