Faye Wheatley will jet off to Abu Dhabi in the coming weeks to defend the Faldo Series Europe Grand Final title she won in spectacular fashion in 2021.
Whickham-based Faye won the 25th edition of the international event at Brocket Hall last season with a three-round total of six under-par, including a four under-par final round, to win the Girls U16 category by 14 shots and the overall title as the lowest scoring player across five categories.
Looking ahead to the trip to Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club – which follows her debut on the Ladies European Tour in Belgium earlier this season – Faye said: “I’m so excited to head out to Abu Dhabi.
“The trip will be longest I’ve ever been on, and it will be a fantastic learning opportunity to play such an amazing golf course so far from home, and see a new part of the world and a new culture.
“The opportunities I’ve had since winning in 2021 have been amazing. I learned so much in Belgium and I know I’ll get a lot out of the Abu Dhabi trip too.
“I feel like my game is in good shape ahead of the trip – though there’s always some wiggle room for improvement and I’ll be working hard with my coach, Steven McDonnell, in the last few weeks before I head out.”
Established in 1996, The Faldo Series is a global amateur series for boys and girls. Competitors aged 12-21 have the opportunity to play World Amateur Golf Rankings events alongside some of the best juniors from around the world. This year’s Europe schedule includes 19 events, played across eight countries. The 26th Grand Final takes place in Abu Dhabi November 1-3.