The R&A has been supporting the Faldo Series since its inception in 1998 and this year was no exception. £25,000 was given to the junior golf initiative in 2009, with a further £10,000 donated to assist with the staging of the 13^th Grand Final.

 

For the next three years the figure that the Faldo Series receives annually from The R&A will be increased to a total of £55,000. In addition, £85,000 has been earmarked for the Faldo Series Asia in 2010, 2011 and 2012.

 

“We’re pleased to continue our support of the Faldo Series in both Europe and Asia,” said R&A Golf Development Officer, Alison White. “Sir Nick Faldo has worked tirelessly to offer opportunities to talented youngsters all over the world. It is important for us to assist him, both as a past Open Champion and as a passionate advocate of junior golf, in his efforts to grow and develop the game.”

 

It was England’s Jonathan Bell who emerged victorious after three rounds of Rio’s Itanhanga Golf Club. His four-under-par total of 212 was enough to edge out his compatriot, and the 2009 Boys Amateur Champion, Tom Lewis by one stroke.

 

“It’s been a wonderful event. Having Nick here has made it a very special week for me; I’ve loved every minute,” said Bell, who competed for Great Britain and Ireland at the recent Jacques Leglise Trophy Match. “Being in Brazil has been a totally different experience for me – the people, the surroundings, the culture – it’s all been great. Having a man of Sir Nick’s calibre here to take clinics and learn from makes this a very different tournament.”

 

During his three days in Rio, Faldo also took time to coach the young children of the Japeri Project, an R&A-supported community golf programme in one of the poorest areas of the city – Click here to read more.