KENT golfer Mark Stewart has came within one shot of winning a week’s coaching with Nick Faldo in Orlando. The 19-year-old from Sandwich finished runner-up in the Under 21 final of the Faldo Junior Series at Saunton in Devon.

Stewart had qualified for the final by winning the Southern Order of Merit and at Saunton he was up against the winners of the other four regions and four invited England internationals.

The Broome Park member, who plans to turn pro next year, put up a brave performance in the 36-hole final, played in strong winds on a rock-hard course.

Stewart scored two rounds of 77 to finish one shot behind the winner, Bert Mackay of Loch Lomond GC. He said: “The scoring was high because the conditions were outrageous. Some of the England internationals who were playing scored in the 80s, and overall I am disappointed because it was a very frustrating day.”

Stewart and Mackay came to the last hole all square but then the Kent man bogeyed the 18th after his approach shot bounced through the green, and Mackay claimed the trip to Florida with a par.

Stewart, who works in the pro shop at the RAC Club in Epsom, said: “Nick Faldo said he hoped I would try again next year and wished me good luck when I told him I was turning pro.”