Following on from successfully hosting the tournament for the past three years, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club have announced that they have extended their partnership with the Faldo Series Middle East Championship for the next three years.
Since 2013, the Faldo Series Middle East Championship has been played over two rounds at the AESGC course, but from 2016 onwards, it will be played as a three-round event to allow the tournament to qualify as a World Amateur Ranking event.
Players between the age of 12 and 21 with a recognised handicap of 18 or below are eligible to play in the event which starts Sunday, March 27, with the official practice round. This will be followed by the three tournament rounds from Monday, March 28, onwards.
As in previous years, the five winners from their respective categories will qualify for an invite to compete in the Faldo Series Grand Final. The winners in the past three years have enjoyed trips to the Greenbrier, West Virgina, USA in 2013 and 2014 and the Sporting Club, Berlin, in Germany last year.
The venue for the 2016 Faldo Series Grand Final is yet to be confirmed, but it is likely to take place in a Europen city towards the end of the year.
Six-time major champion Nick Faldo created the Faldo Series in 1996 to give opportunity to young people through golf and to help identify and nurture the next generation of champions.
On signing the new deal with AESGC, Faldo commented: “I am delighted that we have agreed to continue our Faldo Series Middle East Championship with Al Ain Equestrian Shooting & Golf Club.
“The event continues to grow year on year and has become a premium event in the region attracting golfers from both inside and outside the UAE all competing in what is becoming one of our most well-supported tournaments.
“One of the main objectives of the Series is to provide opportunities for young aspiring golfers, so it was fantastic that no less than 27 different nationalities were represented in the 2015 tournament including Emirati golfers and those from neighbouring countries.