Faldo

Adrian Jauregui is a 16-year-old golfer from Spain. Here, he talks about his experiences during his trip to play the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final at Mission Hills in China:

“This year’s Faldo Series Asia Grand Final was my first trip to China and it was just amazing. The culture was so different and the people were very hospitable. First I flew to Hong Kong, travelling over there with the Faldo Series in good company, surrounded by all of the other winners. We had an enjoyable trip together.

“Upon arriving in Hong Kong, my first impressions were that it was very warm with real humidity! Then we went to travel across the border to mainland China. There were many security controls in place at immigration and you could tell that they were keen to make sure that everything was in check! Once we’d passed through, we headed on to Mission Hills in Shenzhen.

“Mission Hills is a spectacular place. I was very impressed with everyone who worked there and with all of the facilities on site – especially all of their golf courses. They were in very good shape and well-designed. As a golfer, I loved Mission Hills!

“After we’d settled in it was down to the Grand Final, which I thought was a very good tournament. It was well-organised so that the players only had to think about their golf. I enjoyed the week very much; the course was perfect and my game was in good shape so I managed to take good advantage of the trip and was delighted to win my age category. One of my best moments of the week came at the very end of the tournament, when I chipped in for an eagle at the 18th hole in front of all the spectators – that was such a special moment for me. Generally though, it was great to meet so many new friends from around the world that I will keep in touch with over the internet.

“I also had the opportunity to meet Nick Faldo and to put a few questions to him, which he answered so it’s great to get the chance to learn from him. One area I learnt about was my short game and chipping around the green. I think this area of your game is one of the most important in golf so to improve that aspect, to get better than the others on the course, is a great way to put yourself in a position to win tournaments.

“Overall the experience of being in China was a very important one for me and I managed to win my age category with a good result which gives me the inspiration to continue working hard at my golf this season. I hope to go on to perform well and hopefully win at tournaments like the Spanish Championship, the Carris Trophy, British Boys, the Spanish Junior International and the French Grand Prix. Playing in Faldo Series events can really help with my development and preparation throughout the season as to play in quality competitions like this is always good experience and, if you make good results, it is great for your confidence.

“I love having the chance to play in a tournament like this because it is so well-organised – of course we get to meet a six-time Major champion which is very unique – and, if I make good results, it can hopefully open doors for Challenge and European Tour events in the future.”

The Faldo Series is currently exploring the possibility of creating a Faldo Series Spanish Championship in the hope of giving more young golfers from the country the same kinds of opportunities as Adrian. For further information, contact the Faldo Series: series@nickfaldo.com