28th August, 2024
The inaugural Faldo Futures Final, hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, took place on Wednesday, August 28th, at the renowned Belfry Hotel & Resort during the week of the British Masters. This year, 144 of the UK’s most talented young golfers, aged 7 to 12, competed for the coveted title of Faldo Futures Champion. The event showcased a remarkable display of skill, sportsmanship, and passion for the game, confirming the bright future of junior golf in the United Kingdom.
The Faldo Futures Final brought together the best young golfers who advanced through qualifying events and regional finals held across the UK. The participants, who qualified from a pool of over 1,000 initial contenders, competed fiercely in various age and gender divisions to be crowned the champion of their respective categories. The final saw exceptional performances across all divisions, with all of our players displaying remarkable poise and courage on such a grand stage.
Ollie O’Day demonstrated his exceptional skill to claim the Boys 7-8 Championship with a score of +2 (36). O’Day managed to keep his composure throughout the round, winning by 1 shot over Rex Pickavance +3 (37).
Amelia Sandhu secured the Girls 7-8 Championship in a dramatic finish, winning on a countback with a score of +8 (42). Sandhu’s consistent play in tough conditions at the end of the day was enough to earn her the 1st place prize. A very special mention to Florrie Collins who also finished at +8 (42) for the day. Collin’s round included a rare birdie on the index-rated one, 3rd hole.
In the Boys 9-10 Championship, Oliver Smith produced the round of the day with a stellar performance of -3 (31), which included four birdies. With six players at even par or better, Smith’s ability to make birdies proved to be the difference in a competitive division, edging out Jeremy Li -2 (32) by one shot.
Olivia Harland delivered a fantastic performance to win the Girls 9-10 Championship with a score of +6 (40). Olivia’s round included two birdies and a par on the extremely challenging par 3 7th, winning by three shots over Tilly Bordman +9 (43).
Albert Lees claimed the Boys 11-12 Championship in a thrilling finish, winning on a countback with a score of +2 (70) over 18 holes. Lees displayed excellent course management and consistency, recording 16 pars during his round. A special mention to runner-up Jake Jeff-Johnston who also shot a +2 (70), which included three birdies in a row on 8, 9 and 10.
The standout performance of the day for the girls belonged to Selina Bartarya in the Girls 11-12 Championship, who posted an impressive score of -3 (31). Selina started her day with an eagle and never looked back, winning the division by an impressive five shots over Stella Walters, who took second place with a round of +2 (36).
All of our finalists demonstrated incredible talent, resilience, and a passion for the game, making the event a thrilling experience for all spectators and participants alike. The winners of each age category have earned themselves an invitation to play in the prestigious 2025 IMG Junior World Finals at Torrey Pines (South) in California, USA.
Hosted by six-time major winner, Sir Nick Faldo’s presence added a special touch to the day, as he interacted with the young (and old) golfers during his masterclass clinic, signed autographs, and presented awards to the winners. In his address, Sir Nick commented “What an amazing finish to an incredible year for the Faldo Futures. To go into the younger age categories is a first for us, and it has been a revelation. It has brought new energy and enthusiasm to the wider Series and has provided a great starting platform for competitive golf.” Sir Nick also mentioned how “working alongside all the key governing bodies in the game has been great and provided an opportunity for us to all work together to greater effect. I am excited at where the Futures can go across the UK, and like everything in the Series, we have plans to take it global!”
We at the Faldo Series would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the players, families, and supporters who made this year’s Faldo Futures a tremendous success. We are also grateful to all our partners whose support is invaluable in making this event possible. Their continued dedication to junior golf development allows us to provide these young players with the opportunity to showcase their talents on such a wonderful stage.
To register your golf club as a host venue in 2025, visit the Faldo Series website at www.faldoseries.com.
