The Gate April 2019 | Page 10

PLAYING AROUND THE GLOBE BGGA’S STUDENTS FINISH STRONG AT FALDO SERIES ASIA GRAND FINAL Hue, Vietnam (March 22): Rising BGGA stars Petr Hurby (Czech Republic), Kotaro Murata (Japan), Anne Yu (China) and Yoko Tai (Singapore) defied jangling nerves and accomplishes opponents on a nail-biting final day at the 13th Faldo Series Asia Grand Final. All placed in the top 3 of their division. Faldo, who staged a number of clinics for participants and local school children during the week, said: “This week we brought together more than 70 talented young golfers from around the world. I was impressed with the standard of play and I’m excited about the future as we continue our efforts to grow the game of golf globally through the Faldo Series.” The course sculpted by Sir Nick Faldo, recently underwent a few changes with the addition of new tees, changes in elevation, tightened fairways and firmer greens. IJSA’s Lee- Anne Misseldine chaperoned the players during the trip and tournament play. 10 THE GATE | APRIL 2019 The 2018-19 Faldo Series Asia season is supported by The R&A and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation. The International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA) and Bishops Gate Golf Academy (BGGA) are also partners of the Faldo Series. As well as two events in China and Thailand, championships have been staged in Australia, Bangladesh, Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam over the past 12 months. Recognized as the only global amateur series for boys and girls, the Faldo Series was established in 1996, expanding to Asia in 2006. Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching more than 7,000 golfers each year. Past champions include Tseng Ya-ni and Rory McIlroy, both multiple Major winners, while Thidapa Suwannapura (2010 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Girls’ champion) and Nasa Hataoka (2016 Faldo Series Asia Grand Final Girls’ champion) both won on last year’s LPGA Tour.