Faldo's two decades giving youngsters a chance

It began as a question from a journalist that left him stumped following his sensational 1996 Master win over Greg Norman - “Where is the next Nick Faldo coming from?” 

Always the man to take on a challenge, Faldo set about creating a golf series that would help to answer that very question. 

Twenty years later, the Faldo Series has a global reach - and is still growing with 35 annual events in 30 countries across the UK, Europe, South America, Middle East, Asia, Australasia and America. All with the aim of giving talented young golfers an unforgettable experience. 

Illustrious graduates have been given the chance to shine - Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Oliver Fisher from the boys' ranks, Melissa Reid, Yani Tseng and Carly Booth from the girl’s. 

But more importantly it has provided young golfers with an opportunity to play, compete, travel, make lifelong friendships, learn - and dream.   And every season, 4,000 young people take part. 

Faldo admits it is a source of great pride that two decades after he first invested his time and cash, started making phone calls, twisting sponsors arms to donate money - as well as organising a tight crack team to run the show - his vision still has power and energy and is helping to change lives. 

“It started out with British golfers and we took the winners away to America - more than anything just to get them out of the British winter for a while,” Faldo explained. 

“But it has kept on expanding to the point now where we have given chances to kids in Nepal and Vietnam and coaches were bringing them out of the Favelas in Brazil. 

“We had one group of sisters even travelled around events in Europe until they had all qualified for the finals. 

“They were changing tyres on roadsides and sleeping standing up in the camper van. 

“So you see some wonderful stories of young people who really make the most of the experience.” 

Keith Wood, a PGA Professional who is part of Faldo’s tight knit series team added: “We had one lad from Brazil, he came from the toughest conditions. Real poverty. 

“Three years running he qualified. Three years running, on the flight over, he lost his clubs. Each time he just smiles and says ‘no problem’. These kids have such spirit.”

 Ambitious Colchester club Stoke-by-Nayland Hotel, Golf & Spa took the honour of hosting the 20th anniversary final, just days after staging a thrilling LETAS Order of Merit event. 

For Faldo, the series is complete dedication. 

No five minute photo opportunity then back in a chauffeur driven Range Rover and off. 

The six-time major winner devotes himself to the week with coaching clinics, seminars on everything from the swing to diet, fitness and all the education available through The PGA. 

The kids can even have breakfast with the three-time Masters winner and Ryder Cup hero. 

And Faldo admits, with all the technology that’s around, he wishes he had been playing today. 

“This era is perfect for me, for the way I approach the game,” he explained. 

“There is everything I would ever have needed. You have technology that can tell you in seconds what you are doing wrong. 

“There is expert advice out there on fitness, what to eat and the clubs - wow. It is another world. 

“When I started out, I would just stand on the practice ground for hours, beating thousands of balls. 

“I went on the first tee, if I hit a bad shot, it would be back on the practice ground and start all over again. 

“The kids now have all the knowledge and technology to improve and understand their games.” 

In all, 61 players from 19 countries will attend the event - with some glittering prizes available for the winners. 

Five age group winners will be invited to the Asia Grand Final at Laguna Lang Co, in Vietnam in March 2017. 

While the leading boy and girl will receive an invite to a professional tour event. 

Wood added: “Nick is passionate about this. He coaches, the kids can pick his brains, he’ll take one-to-one lessons. He is here totally for them and that is admirable 20 years on. 

“They will even get a number for him, so if they want to call, ask things, they can.” 

Faldo added: “There are some wonderful opportunities for the youngsters who take part. 

“And even 20 years on, I really believe this event can grow across the world.”