Faldo Series Celebrates Start of New Era in Brazil

The Faldo Series has announced a long-term agreement with the Brazilian Golf Confederation (CBG) that will see the annual Faldo Series South America Championship remain in Brazil until at least 2016.  The 2011 event will take place at Damha Golf Club in Sao Paulo on July 27-29.

“Since 1996, the Series has been fully committed to providing opportunity for young golfers across the globe, including South America with annual championships in Brazil since 2008 and Grand Finals in Brazil in 2008 and 2009,” said Sir Nick Faldo.  “We look forward to continuing our support of golf development across the region during the countdown to golf’s return to the Rio Olympics in 2016 and beyond.”

The six-time Major Champion added:  “On behalf of the Series and our partners The R&A, the European Tour and Lough Erne Resort, we thank the CBG and its president, Mr Rachid Orra for sharing our long-term vision.”

“The CBG has long admired the benefits that the Faldo Series brings to 5,000 young people each year, including South Americans since coming to Brazil in 2008,” commented Orra.  “The 2016 Olympics will inspire a new generation of golfers in this region so it is important for the CBG to offer them support and opportunity.  We look forward to working closely with Sir Nick as we view the Series in Brazil as a key part of that process.”

The fourth South America Championship will tee off at Damha Golf Club in São Carlos on July 27-29.  Boys and girls aged 12 to 21 from across South America will compete over 54 holes for one of five places in the 15th Faldo Series Europe Grand Final, to be hosted by Faldo at Lough Erne in Northern Ireland on September 12-14.

Younger children from the local community will also be invited to the tournament to enjoy a free golf clinic and watch the competitors in action, part of the Series objective to also create access to the game at the grass-roots level.

Established in 1996, 35 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 25 countries worldwide with over 5,000 golfers participating each year.  Former winners include Rory McIlroy, Nick Dougherty, Marc Warren, John Parry, Melissa Reid, Florentyna Parker and Yani Tseng, all winners on Tour.

Supported by The R&A, the European Tour and Lough Erne Resort, the 2011 Faldo Series Europe schedule features a record 18 tournaments in 11 different countries including seven in England plus others in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, the Czech Republic, Russia, Greece, The Netherlands, Brazil, Germany and Slovakia.

For details on entry into the fourth Faldo Series South America Championship at Damha Golf Club on July 27-29, email [email protected] visit www.cbg.com.br.

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