WATCHING Nick Faldo putting himself in contention to win a golf tournament is still one of the sport's greatest thrills.

You'd think that with the new breed of stars, like north Hampshire's Justin Rose, to idolise, support for the 46-year-old would be on the wane. After all, Faldo's had his time, hasn't he?

Try telling that to the thousands who delighted in following the six-time Major winner around the West Course at Wentworth during the recent Volvo PGA Championships.

Even after a career spanning more than 30 years, the "Faldo factor" remains a huge draw for golf fans - especially when he rolls back the years and plays like the world beater he once was.

Faldo's final round of 66 (-6) ensured he finished in a tie for fourth place on -15, his best tournament placing in years.

As he flourished over the closing holes - he posted three birdies in the final five - the noise and cheers from the following herd of spectators grew cacophonous.

The raucous 18th green reception was one that delighted him - and it was a very upbeat 6ft 3in gentle giant who spoke to the Press afterwards in the media area.

"I needed to come out and play well, because it's been a frustrating last few months," explained Faldo (pictured).

"I've missed cuts and my game hasn't been good.

"But coming here, I always look forward to it.

"I enjoy myself out there - it's the course I've played more times than anywhere else.

"I like the course - the way it's set up. You've got to play smart, hit the fairways, be smart on your second shots as well and look real hard on the breaks on the greens.

"The people's support and the atmosphere is always the best for me here.

"It's what I need in this stage of my career to keep me playing well."

He added: "It's a great feeling to be back in contention over the final nine holes of a big tournament.

"That's been good for me and has given me a lot of confidence."

As he made his way out of Wentworth, scores of youngsters ignored modern stars and raced over to get his autograph.

You could see by the look on Faldo's face that he was enjoying every minute of it.

He may have missed out on the title, but he is the only four-times winner of the PGA Championship - in 1978,'80, '81 and '89 - the latter the only triumph at Wentworth.

And on the Saturday night of the championships, Faldo was honoured along with a number of former champions - including Peter Alliss ('57,'62,'65), Jose Maria Olazabal ('94) and Constantino Rocca ('96) - at a special evening reception to acknowledge ex-holders, and the 50th anniversary of the tournament.

Need you ask who the biggest cheers and applause was for - especially when, in his speech, he said he would be giving his all to winning a fifth title?

But public affection is not enough to secure him a place in the field for the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, Long Island, New York, later this month.

Because of his low world ranking and poor run of form, Faldo has to qualify for a Major for the first time since 1976.

"I'm a dab hand at it - I finished first at West Lancs," he said. "But it's a bit of a culture shock."

Faldo took a holiday last week before getting down to the task in hand on Monday.

But he admitted he may have decided to play in the wrong qualifying tournament.

Faldo took on a 60-man field at Lake Nona, Florida, for one of just three places to get into the second Major of the season.

If he had opted to play in the Columbus qualifier, he would have been part of a 184-strong field going for 33 spots - although it is a stronger field.

"I might have shot myself in the foot," he confessed.

"But Lake Nona is a course I know very well and I'm feeling a lot more positive and confident after Wentworth."