20-21 August 2025
For the second consecutive year, The Belfry provided the perfect stage for the Faldo Futures Final, running alongside the British Masters in a celebration of golf’s past, present and future. What unfolded over two days was amazing, as 216 young golfers from across eight countries battled for not only the title of Faldo Futures Champion, but a place at the 2026 IMG Junior World Championships in California, USA. The finalists had emerged from a pool of over 2000 competitors, representing a class of junior golf talent from Great Britain and beyond.
Wednesday’s action, coinciding with the British Masters Pro-Am, saw 130 youngsters aged 7 to 10 take to The Belfry’s PGA National Course for their 9-hole decider. The atmosphere was electric as juniors from across Great Britain, Denmark, the USA, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, some barely tall enough to see over their golf bags, demonstrated the skills that got them to the final in the first place. The international flavour of the competition added an extra dimension to proceedings, with juniors who had travelled thousands of miles for this moment mixing effortlessly with the locals.
Archie Hargreaves from Petersfield Golf Club proved he possesses nerves of steel well beyond his years in the Boys 7-8 division. The youngster carded a magnificent one-under-par 33 to claim victory, finishing a shot clear of Louis Edwards from Torquay and Hanlin Wang from South Hertfordshire Golf Club, who both posted level par rounds of 34.
The Girls 7-8 division produced one of the day’s most heartwarming stories as Amelia Sandhu successfully defended her title from 2024. Playing out of St George’s Hill and Sunningdale Heath, Amelia shot a four-over-par 38 to become the first repeat winner in the event’s history. Her gritty performance held off the spirited challenge of Francesca Vallonchini Nursey from Shrewsbury, who finished two shots back on 40.
In the Boys 9-10 division, current US Kids European Champion Zachary Blayney from Rochford Hundred Golf Club produced the round of the day with a scintillating two under par 31, completing a remarkable clean sweep having already won his qualifier at Garon Park and the Regional Final at Castle Royle. His performance was a masterclass in course management, finishing two clear of a tightly bunched field that included Vivaan Singh from Bangalore Golf Club, whose journey from India to The Belfry culminated in a level par 33. Albie Carter from Leek and Henry Bucys from Ashford Manor Golf Club also tied on 33.
Siobhan O’Dwyer from Links Newmarket claimed the Girls 9-10 title with a composed three over par 37, holding off the challenge of both Aashna Amogha from Karnataka Golf Association and Florrie Collins from Chelmsford Golf Club, who tied for second place on 38. The presence of Amogha added another excellent international dimension to the competition, making O’Dwyer’s victory all the more impressive.
Thursday’s proceedings, running parallel to the first round of the British Masters, witnessed 86 competitors aged 11 to 12 tackle the longer and more demanding layout of the PGA National Course. The increased challenge brought out the very best in these golfers, with several producing performances that would be impressive at any level.
Teddy Bailey-Jenkins from Beau Desert Golf Club emerged victorious in a nail-biting Boys 11-12 contest, his two under par 63 earning him the narrowest of victories over Jeremy Ju from Hazel Grove Golf Club, who also carded 63. The countback victory came down to the finest of margins, with Bailey Jenkins’ superior back-nine, including 5 birdies, proving the decisive factor. Just one shot further back, Emil Meyer Therkelsen, who travelled from Denmark, carded a magnificent round of one under par 64, culminating with a superb hole-out for eagle on the final hole.
Finally, the Girls 11-12 division was dominated by Bella Watson from Langley Park Golf Club, whose outstanding three under par 62 stood out as the finest round of the entire competition. Watson’s steady performance included three birdies and an eagle, showcasing excellent course management throughout her round. She secured a comfortable three-shot victory over Emily Howells from Chelmsford, who, despite an impressive display that featured eight birdies, six of which were in a row, endured an up-and-down round that resulted in a level par 65.
For our six champions, their victories represent more than just titles. They open the door to compete on the global stage at the IMG Junior World Championships in California next year. The tournament, which attracts the world’s finest junior golfers, will provide them with an invaluable opportunity to test themselves against international competition and continue their golfing journeys on the biggest stage.
Reflecting on the event’s success, Sir Nick Faldo, Founder of the Faldo Series, was delighted with how the Final had unfolded. “The Futures Final this year was fantastic, and it was great to see so many families attending not just our event, but the British Masters as well,” he said. His enthusiasm for the programme’s growth was evident as he added: “With twice the volume of players this year, it was clear that the level of competition at the Final was much higher. I’m already looking forward to 2026 to see how the Futures continues to evolve, not just in the UK, but globally.”
As another successful Faldo Futures season draws to a close, our sincere thanks go to every golf club, parent and junior, who took part throughout 2025. Their enthusiasm for the game continues to drive golf forward, with the game’s future clearly in capable hands.
For golf clubs interested in hosting a Faldo Futures event in 2026, registrations are now open on the Faldo Series website. Get involved and become part of this growing initiative, which will, without a doubt, produce many champion golfers in the future.
