Lang Co, Vietnam: Vietnamese teenager Nguyen Anh Minh turned up the heat in the sun to win the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final in sizzling style in Central Vietnam.
As heatwave conditions sent temperatures soaring, a final round of 67 saw Minh take top honours as one of the world’s most celebrated junior circuits returned to Laguna Golf Lang Co, the home hub of the Faldo Series Asia since 2017.
The 16-year-old Minh made history by becoming the first Vietnamese to emerge as the Faldo Series Asia champion. His 54-hole total of nine-under 204 (68-69-67) was five strokes ahead of second-placed Isaac Lam from Hong Kong, China. They were the only two players to finish under par.
Vietnam’s Le Khanh Hung was tied with Chinese Taipei’s Lo Yung-cheng in third place on even-par 213. Other Vietnamese in the top 10 were Nguyen Dang Minh (eighth) and Nguyen Duc Son (ninth).
A model of consistency throughout the tournament which featured players from eight different Asian nations, Minh’s performance was hailed by Sir Nick Faldo, the Faldo Series Founder and course designer of the championship venue Laguna Golf Lang Co.
“Minh was immense out there,” said Faldo. “It has been very hot the last week and conditions were extremely tough. So, to put on a consistent show like that was awe-inspiring. His determination and the skill and talent shown by all the competitors who took part bodes well for the junior game in Vietnam and Asia.”
Minh and other age category winners can now look forward to heading to Abu Dhabi to battle it out with elite junior golfers from around the world at the Faldo Junior Tour Europe Grand Final, to be held in November at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club in the UAE.
Inaugurated by Faldo after his victory at the 1996 US Masters, the Faldo Series is recognised as the only global amateur series for boys and girls. Competitors from ages 12 to 21 can test themselves against the best juniors around the world.
The Series has been a proven success as a pathway for players to reach the game’s top levels, with more than 70 Faldo Series competitors now playing on professional Tours.
Notable alumni include Major winners Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett and Tseng Ya-ni. Other familiar names who have participated in the Faldo Series include Tyrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, Eddie Pepperell, Li Haotong, Mel Reid, Carly Booth, and Nasa Hataoka.
The global junior series expanded into Asia in 2006 recognising the potential of the Asian junior golf circuit. Since then, Laguna Lang Co has played a central role in the initiative as the host venue for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, a reflection of its status as a Sir Nick Faldo Signature course, an elite category among Faldo designs.
“Our long-term status as the home hub for the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final reflects our support for the junior game in Vietnam and throughout Asia,” said Adam Calver, Director of Golf and Destination Marketing at Laguna Lang Co.
“Therefore, it’s fantastic to see a Vietnamese champion and strong performances from other Vietnamese juniors, claiming four of the top 10 spots. The future for golf in Vietnam is looking very bright.”
This week’s grand final was the culmination of a process that saw boys and girls compete at the Faldo Series Asia events for World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.
Calver said: “The Faldo Series is widely recognised as one of the world’s most important showcases for young players.
“The future well-being of the game depends on the development of youngsters, and Asia has great potential to develop champions of the future. Therefore, we are honoured to be at the vanguard of these efforts alongside Sir Nick Faldo.”
