GUILHERME NUNES GRINBERG REIGNS SUPREME AT 2019 FALDO SERIES SOUTH AMERICA CHAMPIONSHIP

(Porto Alegre, Brazil – June 18 2019):The fifth event of the 2019 Faldo Series Europe saw 52 of the most talented boys and girls from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and South Korea head to the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on June 7 – 9, where Guilherme Nunes Grinberg earned a comfortable victory over the rest of the field. Three superb rounds under-par saw Grinberg complete the tournament with a final score of 204 (-6). Age categories ranged from Under 16 to Under 21 for the boys and girls, with each category winner qualifying for a place at the Grand Final at Al Ain, Abu Dhabi in November.

Porto Alegre Country Club (PACC), located in Brazil’s most southern state, is just a 2-hour flight south of Rio de Janeiro. Not known for its length, PACC measures a total of 6,029 yards, however, still the historic course posted a challenging task for the competitors and continued its reputation as one of the toughest courses in the region. Known as one of the best golf clubs in southern Brazil, the course features tree lined fairways, laid out over lush, gently undulating terrain that feels far removed from the bustling city centre of Porto Alegre, situated just a stone’s throw away.

Grinberg (Under 16) started the third and final round 5 shots ahead of the field, while Thomas Choi looked to finish strong in his third round after finishing the first two rounds on a total score of level par, however, a 4-over par round ended his chances of lifting the trophy. Grinberg, who made 15 birdies across the three rounds, remained in total control and shot an imposing 1-under par 69 to beat Choi by 10 shots overall. The only glitch all week for Grinberg came from a double bogey & two bogeys in his last five holes, although his lead was already too large for any other player looking to make a run.

Grinberg commented: “I would firstly like to thank everyone at Faldo Series for the excellent organisation of this event – it’s great that young golfers from South America are able to compete in tournaments like these. I’d also like to thank Porto Alegre Country Club – the golf course was in great condition and was a good test for us all.”

Gabriel Velasco and Thomas Choi wrapped up the Under 21 and Under 18 Boys’ categories respectively, securing a safe passage to the Grand Final in November.

The lowest scoring girls of the week were Isu Choi (Under 16) and Lauren Nunes Grinberg (Under 21), sister of the Boys division winner, Guilherme Nunes Grinberg. Both Choi and Grinberg finished on a total score of 18-over par. Their nearest threat came from Laura Helena Caetano, who finished 5 shots back, with a total score of 23-over par.

Matthew Faldo, Faldo Series Director commented: “It’s been a thrilling week here at Porto Alegre Country Club. The weather couldn’t have been better, and neither could the condition of the golf course. Many congratulations to all division winners, especially to Guilherme on an outstanding 6-under par total score. I’m looking forward to welcoming them all to Al Ain in November, for what should be a thrilling Grand Final.”

Local youngsters also benefitted whilst the tournament was unfolding, as Sir Nick Faldo’s personal coach Keith Wood was on hand all week working with the CBG (Brazilian Golf Confederation) coaches, leaving a longer lasting effect on the Brazilian juniors. He also worked with the members of Porto Alegre who were incredibly welcoming and have impressively grown their junior section to over 50 kids over the last 3 years. In addition to this, there was also a ‘Mini Faldo’ tournament that took place alongside the main event. This included 15 boys and girls ranging from Under 13 to Under 11 age categories who aspire to reach a Faldo Series Grand Final as they continue their golfing career.

Also competing in the championship were players from CBG’s social projects; Boa Bola and Japeri with players coming from low income, unregulated neighborhoods, highlighting CBG’s commendable efforts to grow the game in the poorest of areas. Herik Machado, Faldo Series Europe Champion 2017 came from this exact project, proving there is huge opportunity and potential for the juniors in Brazil.

Today, 40 Faldo Series tournaments take place in 30-plus countries worldwide, touching thousands of golfers each year. Past winners include Major Champion Rory McIlroy, who took his tally of professional Major titles to four with his wins at the 2014 Open Championship and US PGA Championship.

Leading final scores:

Boys’ Under-21:

Gabriel Velasco (BRA) +9

Guido Fraga (ARG) +9

Boys’ Under-18:

Thomas Choi +4

Pedro Marchioni +10

Boys’ Under-16:

Guilherme Nunes Grinberg -6

Renato da Silva Filho +15

Girls’ Under-21:

Lauren Nunes Grinberg +18