Nguyen Duc Son shines to make sure Faldo Sequence Asia crown stays in Vietnam

VIETNAM’S Nguyen Duc Son held his nerve in a dramatic second extra-hole shootout to win the Faldo Sequence Asia Grand Ultimate in model in Central Vietnam this week.

A closing spherical of 69 noticed Son take prime honours as one of many world’s most celebrated junior circuits returned to Laguna Golf Lang Co, the house hub of the Faldo Sequence Asia since 2017.

Son (17) turned the second successive Faldo Sequence Asia Champion from Vietnam, following within the footsteps of final yr’s winner Nguyen Anh Minh.

In an exhilarating finale, Son closed out Masato Sumiuchi from Japan, his nearest challenger, in a playoff clincher on the par-5 closing gap on the Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design.

After ending in a impasse after 54 holes and tying the primary additional gap, the gamers returned to the 18th tee for one more tilt on the title. Each gamers had birdie alternatives after some nice play down the size of the twisting, difficult gap. Sumiuchi narrowly missed his putt, however Son made no mistake along with his effort, holing out to notch his first triumph in a global occasion.

Additional again, Vietnamese teen Doan Uy was tied with Wang Ngai Shen from Hong Kong in third place. Different Vietnamese within the prime ten have been Le Chuc An (fifth) and Le Nguyen Minh Anh (ninth).

The sturdy displaying from younger Vietnamese was additional proof of the progress being made to develop the sport within the nation. Son’s triumph in Lang Co follows scorching on the heels of Nguyen Anh Minh snaring victory within the Taiwan-China Championship earlier in April.

Son was a mannequin of consistency all through the 54-hole stroke-play match which featured round 50 gifted children from 12 totally different nations round Asia in addition to Australia. One of many photographs of the week got here from Alexis Nailga from the Philippines who notched a hole-in-one on the quick fifth gap.

However Son was the undoubted star of the present. And his unbelievable efficiency was hailed by UK legend Sir Nick Faldo, the Faldo Sequence founder and course designer of the championship venue Laguna Golf Lang Co.

“What an unbelievable week. You’ll want to present me a second to catch my breath after that,” mentioned Faldo, who had been current all through the week to mentor junior gamers and oversee the trophy ceremony on the esteemed Angsana Lang Co resort.

Certainly, Faldo supplied some recommendations on method to Son at a particular golf clinic following spherical one of many match. These pointers helped him to enhance his type throughout his closing two rounds.

“Son completed brilliantly,” added Faldo. “To keep up such consistency is really spectacular. After which to carry his nerve like that on the additional gap was simply sensible to see. It was a really energising week and we’re delighted to maintain offering new alternatives to individuals in rising golf locations to increase our nice recreation.”

Inaugurated by Faldo after his victory on the 1996 US Masters, the Faldo Sequence is acknowledged as the one international newbie collection for girls and boys. Rivals from ages 12 to 21 can take a look at themselves in opposition to the easiest juniors all over the world.

The Sequence has been a confirmed success as a pathway for gamers to succeed in the sport’s prime ranges, with over 70 Faldo Sequence opponents now enjoying on skilled excursions. Notable alumni embrace Main winners Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett and Yani Tseng.

The worldwide junior collection expanded into Asia in 2006 recognising the huge potential of the Asian junior golf circuit. Since then, Laguna Lang Co has performed a central position within the initiative because the host venue for the Faldo Sequence Asia Grand Ultimate: a mirrored image of its standing as a Sir Nick Faldo Signature course, an elite class amongst Faldo designs.

The occasion as soon as once more showcased Central Vietnam’s pedigree as a stage for main golf events, a side that’s being promoted by Vietnam Golf Coast, a vacation spot advertising and marketing effort linking the area’s signature golf equipment.

“Our ongoing position because the host venue for the Faldo Sequence Asia Grand Ultimate underscores our dedication to nurturing junior golf in Vietnam and throughout Asia,” expressed Stephen Banks, Director of Golf at Laguna Lang Co. “Thus, witnessing a Vietnamese champion and notable performances by different Vietnamese juniors securing 4 of the highest 10 positions is really gratifying. The outlook for golf in Vietnam is brilliant.”