From University of Rochester Athletics

Growing up, University of Rochester golf head coach Dan Wesley grew up idolizing golf legend Nick Faldo.  He spent many hours hitting golf balls in the wind, rain and snow dreaming of one day making it to the professional ranks like his idol Sir Nick.
 
Although Wesley didn't quite reach that dream of playing professionally, Wesley and his golf talents brought him to the University of Rochester where he played for the Yellowjackets and eventually came back to coach at his alma mater.  By sheer luck, something every golfer needs now and again on the course, Wesley was able to meet and invite the golfing legend Faldo to the University to have breakfast and share his golfing experience with the Rochester golf team.
 
In honor of the 20th anniversary of Team Europe's dramatic come from behind victory at Oak Hill Country Club, Faldo was in Rochester last week to speak at the John R. Williams Invitational tournament at Oak Hill, the home of UR's golf team.  The JRW Invitational is one of the premier amateur golf tournaments in the country.
 
At last Wednesday's pre-tournament dinner, Wesley, through a friend and member at Oak Hill and chairman of the tournament, was invited to sit at the main table and rub elbows with his golf idol.  Prior to the dinner, Wesley found out that Faldo's schedule before departing on Thursday would allow for some time for the golfing legend to meet and greet with his team on the Rochester campus.  Faldo graciously accepted and relished the chance to give advice, share stories and answer questions from the eager Yellowjacket golfers.
 

Faldo spent about an hour on the UR campus on Thursday morning where he talked to the team about how he got into the game at a young age, how he views the best ways to practice, the importance of visualization, and several stories of his major wins and close losses.

 
"I know our players were thrilled to be able to have this time with Sir Nick, and to be able to ask him questions and hear him talk, but to me this was a dream come true," said Wesley of the experience.
 
In his career, Sir Nick Faldo has 41 career victories worldwide, including earning six major championship titles (1987, 1990 and 1992 Open Championship and 1989, 1990 and 1996 Masters).  He also was an 11-time participant in the Ryder Cup, including being on winning teams in 1985, 1987, 1997 and 1995 at Oak Hill.