The Faldo Series has announced its UK schedule for 2014 with a new format that will see each tournament increased to 54-holes and count towards the World Amateur Golf Ranking. The maximum field at each event will also be increased from 75 to 93 players but the number of tournaments will be reduced to five. The entry fee will remain the same despite the additional tournament round.
“Young golfers in the UK have benefitted from the experience of playing in the Faldo Series since its launch in 1996”, said Sir Nick Faldo. “With the new format featuring 54-hole championships players will gain even more tournament experience and have the opportunity to compete for World Amateur Golf Ranking points.”
Faldo added: “I thank The R&A, ISPS Handa, The European Tour, PGA Tour and the PGA of America for their ongoing support which allows us to bring opportunity to thousands of talented young golfers every year.”
“We have been pleased to support Sir Nick, a three-time Open Champion, since he launched the Faldo Series,” 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, South America and the Middle East where the Faldo Series is active. The revised UK format will benefit participants as they will now be competing for World Amateur Golf Ranking points.”
The UK schedule for 2014 features five championship across England, Scotland and Wales. For an entry fee of GBP 45, boys and girls aged 12 to 21 will play one practice round and three tournament rounds at their chosen venue. The five age-group winners at each tournament – three boys and two girls – will join six-time Major winner Faldo at the 18th Faldo Series Grand Final.
The first two events on the schedule – Moortown (April 7-9) and Pyle & Kenfig (April 22-24), in England and Wales respectively are open for entry until February 21. The later three events – Old Fold Manor (June 16-18) near London, Panmure (June 24-26) in Scotland and Hollinwell in Nottinghamshire (August 18-20) – are open for entry until May 9.
The 2013 Faldo Series Europe schedule featured a record 20 tournaments in 15 countries including six in England plus others in Ireland, Abu Dhabi, Chile, the Czech Republic, Scotland, Austria, Wales, Brazil, Italy, The Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, Greece and the USA. A full European schedule for 2014 will be announced in the coming weeks.
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 FaldoSeriesAcademy in Casa Grande, Arizona marks another significant step in the programme’s history.
Golfers born in 1993 or later wishing to enter a 2014 Faldo Series UK Championship should visit www.nickfaldo.com