SIR Nick Faldo, the most successful British golfer in history, has confirmed he will compete at Royal Porthcawl later this month as the Senior Open Championship returns to south Wales from July 27.

Faldo, a six-time major champion and Europe's record Ryder Cup points scorer, played his first European Senior Tour event since 2015 at last month’s U.S. Senior Open Championship and is looking forward to competing once again on British soil.

The former world number one, who celebrates his 60th birthday on July 18, believes there is no better way to mark more than 40 years as a professional than playing once again.

"Playing a little competitive golf is part of my own plan for celebrating my 60th birthday and I look forward to playing the Senior Open,” he said.

“I have played a couple of Champions Tour events in the United States over the past month and know a little more about my game.

“I spend a lot of time in the gym and studying golf-specific fitness. I trust the results of some very hard work will produce a fair result. I am fit and the plan is to be truly competitive.

“The Senior Tour players share many memories. I expect as a group we bring back special memories of an era for golf fans.

“These players are also creating some special moments on the golf course as they continue to play with tremendous focus and produce memorable winning results.

“It is my goal to create a winning memory or two at Royal Porthcawl and I look forward to it all.”

Faldo returned to European Tour action earlier this year at the BMW SA Open hosted by City of Ekurhuleni, missing the cut by just two strokes despite having not teed off on the professional circuit in more than 18 months.

He is one of a number of former Ryder Cup captains and major champions set to take part at the Senior Open Championship later this month, joining Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Tom Watson and Ian Woosnam in the field.

Tickets and hospitality packages for the Senior Open Championship are still available, including the recently announced youth ticket for those aged 16-24.

Under-16s are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

In addition to full price season and day tickets, the Senior Open Championship is also offering Twilight Tickets (entry after 3pm) for Thursday, July 27, and Friday, July 28, priced £13.50 in advance or £15 on the gate.

The tournament runs until Sunday, July 30.