Six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo has announced this year’s Open Championship at St Andrews will be his last.

Faldo is the most successful golfer to come from the UK and has three Masters Green Jackets to go along with his three Claret Jugs, won at Muirfield in 1987 and 1992, either side of his 1990 victory at the home of golf.

Faldo has now decided that this year’s competition will be his last, saying “The Open and St Andrews will forever hold a significant place in my heart.

“My fondest moments on my journey with this great sport are woven with pictures and emotions in this setting. It all means a huge amount to me.”

He is not alone in making his swansong from the Open Championship this season as American legend Tom Watson, who is a five-time winner of the Claret Jug, will also be making his final bow in Scotland in July.

Peter Dawson, chief executive the R&A, said: “Sir Nick Faldo is an inspirational figure in British golf and has enjoyed a remarkable career in the Open.

“I’m sure there will be great anticipation among the galleries at St Andrews to see him play in the Open once again and he will receive a rousing ovation worthy of a great champion.”

Not surprisingly the early favourite for the tournament is current world number one Rory McIlroy at 5.00, with recently-crowned Masters champion Jordan Spieth second favourite at 10.00.