Faldo Series Targets More Growth in the Middle East

The second Faldo Series Middle East Championship will return to Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club in Abu Dhabi in Al Ain on March 21-22, organisers have announced.  Five winners will join Sir Nick Faldo at the season-ending Grand Final.

“The Middle East Championship at Al Ain is an important tournament for us in a key region as we look to continue our efforts to grow golf globally through the Series,” said Sir Nick Faldo. “I thank Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club for their support and hope that the success of Jakub; who finished runner-up in his age-category at last year’s Grand Final, will help inspire others and continue to grow the event.”

“We are proud to be the host venue to the Faldo Series Middle Championship,” said Michaela Forrester, Golf Manager of Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.  “We hope that Jakub’s success at The Greenbrier in October will inspire more golfers from the UAE and neighbouring countries to take part in this year’s event.”

Supported by The R&A, ISPS and the European Tour, talented golfers aged 12 to 21 will compete over 36 holes for the second Faldo Series Middle East Championship at Al Ain Golf Club on March 21-22.

Five Faldo Series tournaments across England, Scotland and Wales have already been announced for 2014 and dates are set to be confirmed for events in Ireland, Abu Dhabi, Chile, the Czech Republic, Austria, Brazil, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia and Greece.

The field, which will also receive expert advice from guest speakers during the week; including Sir Nick’s personal coach Keith Wood, will be divided into five age-groups.  The winner of each division – three boys and two girls – will join Faldo at the season-ending 18th Faldo Series Grand Final.

In a bid to create access to golf for a younger audience, a programme of grass-roots activities will also be held during the tournament for children from the local community.

Established in 1996, 40 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 30 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year.  Past winners include Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

In September 2014, Faldo will begin taking students at a full-time residential academy for education and golf development in America.  The first ever Faldo Series Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona marks another significant step in the programme’s history.

Golfers born in 1993 or later wishing to enter or receive more information about the Faldo Series Middle East Championship at Al Ain Golf Club on March 21-22 should email [email protected].

For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com.