Faldo Increases Affordability of UK Series in 2012

 The Faldo Series has announced its UK schedule for 2012 and a reduced entry fee that Sir Nick Faldo hopes will further increase the accessibility of its tournaments to young golfers of all backgrounds.

“With generous backing from our partners at The R&A, the European Tour and Lough Erne Resort, and strong support from our host venues, we are always striving to make the Faldo Series even more accessible,” said Faldo. “As a registered charity, the Series aims to bring opportunity to talented young golfers, regardless of background, so I hope that, by reducing the financial burden on golfers and their parents, even more youngsters can benefit.”

“We have been pleased to support Sir Nick, a three-time Open Champion, since he launched the Faldo Series in 1996,” commented Alison White, Assistant Director of Golf Development at The R&A. “Nick’s efforts match The R&A’s commitment to golf development, not only in the UK but also across Europe, Asia and South America where the Faldo Series is active. We applaud this latest initiative to make the Series even more accessible to young golfers in the UK.”

The UK schedule for 2012 features two new venues: Old Fold Manor (July 9-10) in Barnet, England and Panmure (August 21-22) in Angus, Scotland. Both clubs have hosted qualifying for The Open Championship.

Five more Open qualifying venues remain on the schedule: Moortown (April 3-4), Royal Ashdown Forest (April 24-25), Trentham (May 1-2), West Lancs (May 10-11) and Hollinwell (August 28-29), all in England. Pyle and Kenfig (July 3-4) in Wales, a two-time host of The Amateur Championship, also returns to the schedule after the success of its first Series event in 2011.

Amateur golfers born in 1991 or later can enter the Faldo Series online at www.nickfaldo.com/series at a cost of 55 pounds per person, reduced from 70 pounds in 2011. Entry includes a practice round and two tournament rounds at the chosen championship course and for five age-category winners at each venue – three boys and two girls – an exemption into the 16th Faldo Series Europe Grand Final next September and all local expenses covered during the 54-hole World Amateur Golf Ranking event at Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland.

Established in 1996, 38 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with over 5,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

The 2011 Faldo Series Europe schedule featured a record 18 tournaments in 11 different countries, including England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Czech Republic, Russia, Greece, The Netherlands, Brazil, Germany and Slovakia. It concluded with the 15th Grand Final on the Faldo Course at Lough Erne in September, hosted by the six-time Major Champion and won by 20-year-old Gavin Samuels of England.