Close House is once again to host the PING Junior Masters, with the 2025 series featuring nine qualifying events across seven counties in the UK
This comes after Close House was awarded Junior Golf Programme of the Year at the 2024 Golf Course Awards as they remain committed to developing the game at all levels.
First launched in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House, the PING Junior Masters has since expanded with the support of Lee Westwood and PING Europe, making it one of the UK’s most accessible and exciting junior golf events.
Westwood, who played a key role in the event’s creation, remains a passionate advocate for growing the game and increasing competitive opportunities for young golfers.
“Ahead of the 2017 British Masters event we were keen to offer children the chance to experience the tournament, and it was a highlight of an amazing week,” commented Lee Westwood, official Attached Tour Professional at Close House.
“I am delighted that Close House and PING who I have worked with for so many years have continued to create this special program. I attended the final of the Junior Masters last year and it was amazing to see so many children enjoying the experience.”
2025 VENUES
The 2025 series will see the return of well-known venues such as Ladybank in Fife, Scotland, and Worksop in Nottinghamshire, while welcoming Alwoodley in Leeds, England, host of last year’s R&A Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championship.
The breadth and quality of events evolves in 2025, with youngsters having access to a competitive experience that will undoubtedly aid in their development as a golfer.
Each qualifying event will be run off nett scores, giving a broader range of junior golfers the opportunity to reach the grand final played at Close House.
From each of the qualifying locations, there are three age categories: 12 and under, 15 and under, and 18 and under. One girl and two boys from each age group will qualify for the final at Close House on 28th October 2025 – where they will be offered a tour experience on the Championship Colt Course.
“Close House are committed to offering a golfing pathway for junior golfers,” said Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director of Close House.
“This initiative is incredible, offering competitive experience for aspiring junior golfers whilst enabling us to provide grassroots coaching at local schools courtesy of the support shown by PING.
The whole team at Close House are proud of the Junior Masters and we were honoured to achieve recognition last year at The Golf Course Awards.”
PING SUPPORT
The 2025 events see PING Europe continue their support, providing all the prizes at the grand final with the aim of giving the next generation of golfers a special and unique experience.
Dave Fanning, European Marketing Director at PING Europe, comments: “The Junior Masters is one of our favourite series to support, and it is brilliant to have such an inclusive opportunity for juniors to develop their game.”
Beyond the competition, the PING Junior Masters is committed to growing the game by providing free golf coaching to over 1,000 schoolchildren each year.
The Close House PGA Teaching Team is dedicated to inspiring and developing the next generation of golfers, delivering expert coaching both in schools and at the Close House Academy- nurturing talent and fostering a lifelong love for the sport.