The Faldo Futures Regional Finals have come and gone in the blink of an eye, with approximately 365 players competing for a place in the prestigious Futures Final, hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry. With limited spots up for grabs, the week saw fierce competition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie, making it a wonderful experience for all involved.
Following the hugely successful qualifying events that took place at 51 golf clubs in March/April, The Faldo Futures moved on to the Regional Finals during half-term week in May, hosted at six clubs across the UK, these were Maften Hall, Northumberland; The Warwickshire, Leek Wootton; Worsley Park, Manchester; Cumberwell Park, Wiltshire; Sunningdale Heath, Surrey and The Melbourne Club at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.
As anticipated, Sir Nick Faldo, made a surprise visit at Sunningdale Heath regional final whilst he was in town and he signed plenty of autographs, posed for pictures with the parents and kids, and presented awards to the regional winners. In his speech, Sir Nick commented on The Faldo Futures, stating, “For 28 years I have provided a golfing pathway for boys and girls, providing competitive opportunities that can see their way from 7 years old to progressing through The Faldo Series to ultimately play on professional tours, its brilliant to bring this new tier to the Series that all clubs in the UK can be a part of”. He thanked everyone for their support, encouraged the kids to practice, and hoped everyone “enjoyed themselves as that’s the most important thing.”
From the Regional Finals, 112 players earned an invitation to play at the Faldo Futures Final at The Belfry on the Wednesday Pro-Am of the British Masters, where they will experience the thrill of competing for the coveted title of Futures Champion. The winner of each age category will also receive an invitation to the IMG Junior World Finals held at Torrey Pines (South) in California, USA.
Commenting on the initiative, Matthew Faldo, Flado Series Director said “We’re delighted with how this first year’s initiative has gone. It’s been terrific to see the UK golf industry get behind the series, supporting it through staging their own qualifying events. We’re also very grateful for the Regional Final host clubs, who did a terrific job in welcoming our competitors. All eyes are now on The Belfry!”
The Faldo Futures is run as part of The Faldo Series, a charitable trust that seeks to increase participation in the game at grass roots level, as well as identify, nurture and support the next generation of golfing talent. Other Faldo Series events have already seen golfing superstars graduate including Tyrrell Hatton, Mel Reid, Danny Willet and Rory McIlroy.
For more information on how your child can participate, or how you can host an event at your golf club in 2025, visit www.faldoseries.com/the-faldo-futures/
