What Did Nick Say?

After it happened, we were led to believe Nick Faldo would take the secret to his grave instead of his publisher. But at least now we all know. Recall that indelible moment from the 1996 Masters, when Faldo roared from six shots back Sunday to beat Greg Norman by five. As the stunning reversal concluded on the 18th green, before Faldo celebrated his thrill of victory, he acknowledged Norman's agony of defeat. These two longtime rivals, who for four hours had barely made eye contact let alone exchanged pleasantries, hugged like brothers. While the rest of the world sniffled, Faldo whispered something in Norman's ear. It was poignant. It was stirring. It was majestic. It was male bonding.

We're pretty sure there were no "Shark Shootout" references being made after the '96 Masters. Also, it was none of our business.

"What I said will remain between us," Faldo announced.

"It's private and will stay private," echoed Norman.

...For more than eight years, no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't get a straight answer. Faldo's life changed, Norman's life changed, but neither budged on unraveling the mystery of what transpired that April Sunday in 1996.

Until now. Faldo has a book out, Life Swings, wherein he reveals the thoughtful, sensitive, inspirational, delicate bon mot he delivered to Norman's lobe:

"DON'T LET THE BASTARDS GET YOU DOWN OVER THIS."

That was it. Norman recently confirmed as much to Golf Digest, adding with a laugh that Faldo didn't even have to point to the press building to explain what he meant. Faldo sparred throughout his career with writers back in the United Kingdom. Recall his speech after a British Open triumph when he thanked experts "from the heart of my bottom." Norman, too, has had bouts with the media. So, as Faldo continues in his autobiography, "After holing out for a birdie 3 and my preordained 67 - the number on my player's badge - my first thoughts were for Greg. I felt genuinely sorry for him. I have no doubt that Greg was scarred for life by the events which unfolded at Augusta that afternoon. To have the green jacket snatched away just as you are visualizing slipping your arms into the sleeves must be soul-destroying."