Faldo Series star makes Tour debut

The 2009 Faldo Series Europe champion, Jonathan Bell, lived up to his growing reputation when he made the cut on his first European Tour start at the Madeira Island Open BPI - Portugal at Porto Santo Golf.

With rounds of 70, 73, 73, 74, the English amateur international from the Royal Blackheath Golf Club near London, finished in a tie for 66th.

"I had a fantastic time in Madeira," said the 2004 English Under-14 champion. "I set out with the intention of making the cut so I was delighted with my opening rounds of 70 and 73 but I would have to admit I didn't play quite as well as I would have liked over the weekend."

Bell's place in the field was part of his reward for winning last year's Faldo Series Europe Grand Final in Rio de Janeiro, and he got to play with 2009 South African Open champion, Richie Ramsay.

"I would say that from tee to green there wasn't much to choose between us but he did show me a thing or two about getting up-and-down," said Bell.

"He also spent a bit of time passing on some advice on playing golf at the top level and I'd like to thank him for that."

Bell's ultimate aim is to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Rory McIlroy, Marc Warren, Nick Dougherty, Oliver Fisher, Yani Tseng and Melissa Reid all of whom have graduated as Faldo Series winners and then gone on to make a name for themselves as Tour professionals. Sir Nick Faldo created the Faldo Series back in 1996 to develop new generations of young champions and in 2006 the concept was expanded to include a Faldo Series Asia.

This year, the Faldo Series Europe and the Faldo Series Asia will attract over 5,000 boys and girls aged between 12 and 21 and will comprise more than 30 events in 25 countries.

For further information please visit nickfaldo.com

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