CLOSING 2019 QUALIFIER AT BLACK STORK GOLF RESORT MARKS 10 YEARS IN SLOVAKIA FOR FALDO SERIES

(Poprad, Slovakia – August 30 2019):Proficient Slovakian junior golfers, Pavol Mach and Antonia Zacharovska, have won the Slovakia Boys and Girls Championships respectively in the final qualifier event of the 2019 Faldo Series Europe calendar.

Both Mach and Zacharovska secured their spots at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi for the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final in November, where they’ll get to meet Series Founder, Sir Nick Faldo.

The event saw 55 talented boys and girls head to the stunning Black Stork Golf Resort, located in northern Slovakia, just 35km from the Polish border – a venue that has hosted the Faldo Series Slovakia Championship since 2009. The 27-hole facility lies within 120 hectares of the Tatra National Park, where an unspoilt countryside environment and superb mountain views are part and parcel. Branded by the PGA, Black Stork is one of the finest golfing venues in the country and helps to promote the game of golf in eastern Europe – a vision Sir Nick Faldo had when he first created the Faldo Series.

Mach (Under-18) started the third and final round at four-under par, just two shots clear of fellow Slovakian Lukas Zustak. An unfortunate third and final round for Zustak included three bogeys and a double bogey which saw him slip away from Mach, who fired an imposing five-under par 67 to finish eight shots clear of both Zustak and Zacharovska.

Commenting after his win, Pavol Mach, said: “Going into the last day with a two-shot lead was a real confidence boost for me – I knew if I could just avoid bogeys and not play too aggressively, I would be able to win the tournament. I made a slight error on the par-3 6^th hole with a bogey four, but apart from that I managed to make six birdies and eleven pars to beat Lukas. I’m looking forward to working on my game over the next two months to make sure I’m ready for the Grand Final at Al Ain where I will do my best to come out on top…hopefully this will be fourth time lucky!”

Mart Anthony Karsenbarg of The Netherlands wrapped up the Under-21 Boys category in style, holing out from the fairway for eagle on the 18^th hole in the final round, securing his Grand Final place for the second successive year with rounds of 73, 75, 71 (+3). Lukas Janda of the Czech Republic comfortably won the Under-16 Boys division by a 3-shot margin with scores of 78, 73, 68 (+3) to also secure his place at Al Ain.

Antonia Zacharovska (Girls Under-16), who made twelve birdies and an eagle over the three days, was streaks ahead of the field in the girl’s competition. She was the sole player to shoot under par, firing 73, 71, 71 for a total score of one-under par. Tana Cicova of Slovakia also secured her place at Al Ain by winning the Girls Under-21 division, finishing four shots clear of competitor Linda Ilavska.

Commenting after her win, Antonia Zacharovska, said: “To be able to play a Faldo Series event in your home country is really special. All competitors love coming to Black Stork Resort every year and this event was extra special as the Faldo Series celebrated 10 years here. There were some really good players in the field this week and I’m really proud of myself to finish under-par for the three rounds. I feel like my game has definitely improved this summer and I’m really looking forward to competing in my first Faldo Series Europe Grand Final in November.”

Matthew Faldo, Faldo Series Director, commented: “Celebrating 10 years here at Black Stork is momentous for the Series. Set within a stunning national park, this is by far one of the most scenic courses we visit all year. Many congratulations to all division winners, especially to Pavol and Antonia on their impressive scores. I’m looking forward to seeing all five division winners at Al Ain in November for the Europe Grand Final.”

Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching thousands of junior golfers each year. Past winners include Major Champion Rory McIlroy, Eddie Pepperell, Matt Wallace, Danny Willett and former Tour Pro, Nick Dougherty.

Leading final scores:

Boys’ Under-21:

Mart Anthony Karsenbarg +3

Ondrej Lisy +5

Boys’ Under-18:

Pavol Mach -9

Lukas Zustak -1

Boys’ Under-16:

Lukas Janda +3

Timotej Formanek +6

Girls’ Under-21:

Tana Cicova +23