JAMES FREEMAN WINS FALDO SERIES SOUTH QUALIFIER TO RECEIVE FULL MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS AT BROCKET HALL
(Hertfordshire, UK – July 8th 2019):Talented English junior golfer, James Freeman, has won the second England South event of the 2019 Faldo Series Europe calendar, securing a place at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club for the Europe Grand Final in November, alongside gaining full membership rights at host qualifier venue Brocket Hall.
The event saw 106 of the most talented boys head to The Melbourne Club, Brocket Hall this week, where Freeman reigned victorious in a three-man playoff over Arron Edwards-Hill and Tiger Adams.
The added incentive for the week came in the form of a generous pledge by the host venue, Brocket Hall, who offered full membership rights to the overall winner at the club for the next 12 months – one of the most prestigious memberships available in the UK. The prize was a fitting acknowledgement from the club, which is located next door to Welwyn Garden City, where Series founder, Sir Nick Faldo, polished his own skills as a junior golfer.
Brocket Hall is a club often credited for its commitment to junior golf through grassroots initiatives that encourage the growth of the game. The club is set within the opulent surroundings of the Brocket Hall Estate in rural Hertfordshire, the venue’s two championship standard golf courses sit within beautifully manicured 18th-century parkland and are aptly named after Prime Ministers who once lived on the property – Lord Palmerston and Lord Melbourne.
The three-day event was played on the Palmerston Course, a Donald Steel design opened in 2000 that plays a considerable 7,080 yards off the championship tees, winding its way through undulating terrain and mature woodland, consisting of 300-year-old pine, oak and cedar trees.
James Freeman (Under-18) started the third and final round tied for the lead alongside fellow Englishman Benjamin Humphrey. Humphrey, however, ended his chances of lifting the trophy, with a final round score of 76 (+3) to finish in a tie for fourth place. Freeman, who made eight birdies across the three rounds, remained in total control and shot a solid level par to finish, however, this was only enough to enter a playoff as Arron Edwards-Hill and Tiger Adams both walked off the 18th green with impressive scores of 71 (for a -2 total). Adams was unfortunately eliminated during the first playoff hole, allowing Edwards-Hill to win the Under-21 category, with Freeman winning the second playoff hole to secure the Under-18 category and overall tournament victory.
Commenting after his win, James Freeman, said: “I’m extremely happy to win this qualifier event – this is the first year I’m playing in the Series and only my second attempt to get to the Grand Final after finishing tied 12th at Royal Ashdown Forest in April. The course was in excellent condition and to win membership here for a year is amazing – I can’t wait to make use of the two courses and practice facilities to sharpen up my game before November.”
Rohan Miah wrapped up the Under-16 category and secured a safe passage to the Grand Final with impressive rounds of 75, 71, 74 (+1), to beat fellow competitor Charlie Gilgenkrantz by a shot.
Matthew Faldo, Faldo Series Director, commented: “It has been a superb week here at Brocket Hall. The Palmerston Course was in immaculate condition which is a testament to the greenkeeping and golf operations teams here. Many congratulations to all division winners, especially to James on earning full membership rights for the next 12 months – a generous prize and one that signifies the importance of our event to Brocket Hall. It’s a venue we’re very proud to have on the Faldo Series Europe schedule.”
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 Willet and former Tour Pro, Nick Dougherty.
Leading final scores:
Boys’ Under-21:
Arron Edwards Hill -2
Tiger Adams -2
Benjamin Humphrey +1
Boys’ Under-18:
James Freeman -2
Samuel Caney +4
Owen Watts +4
Boys’ Under-16:
Rohan Miah +1
Charlie Gilgenkrantz +2
Harley Smith +9
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