Sir Nick Faldo’s global junior golf development initiative, the Faldo Series, which was launched 18 years ago, returns to Cambodia on July 11-13 at Siem Reap’s Angkor Golf Resort, which ranks among one of the best courses the six-time Major winner has designed all round the world.

In 2012, the Kingdom was brought into the Faldo Series network, which involves 40 tournaments in 30 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 young golfers taking part each year.

The different category winners from each leg will gather for the grand finale at Mission Hills Golf Club in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in March next year.

Amateur golfers aged between 12 and 21 are eligible to play to the Faldo Series event, which has a handicap limit of 28. The last date for entries is July 5.

Boys and girls born between 1993 and 2002 of any nationality can enter for a fee of $70.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Faldo Series Asia event and host the Cambodian qualifying leg,” Angkor Golf Resort director of golf David Baron told the Post yesterday.

“Supporting any form of junior golf is an underlying goal of ours. The field will be made up of international junior players from the [Asia-Pacific] region and hopefully we can see an increased number of local participants this year.”

Baron is a member of the British PGA, who spends much of his spare time conducting free coaching classes for juniors and students in Siem Reap.

“I have strong hopes that one or both of our leading Cambodian players can make the breakthrough this year and qualify for the grand final,” said Baron. “This would be a timely reward for the effort that they have put into their games.”

One such player is Sokha Mony, who was a member of the triumphant Cambodia team at the recently held FCC Nations Cup.

Baron noted that this year, the Angkor Golf Resort would also be inviting Cambodian juniors to take part in an unofficial age category in order for them to gain valuable experience.

“The grassroots clinic will also continue. This is where we invite several local schools along to enjoy an introduction to golf,” he added.

For entry details for the Faldo Series in Cambodia, phone 063 767 688 or email [email protected] or go to www.angkor-golf.com.