Close House and the PING Junior Masters: A Commitment to Growing the Game
Close House, a renowned golf course in the UK, is set to host the 2025 PING Junior Masters, furthering its commitment to developing the sport at all levels. The 2025 series will feature nine qualifying events across seven counties in the UK, expanding the reach and accessibility of the competition. This commitment to junior golf has not gone unnoticed; Close House was awarded the Junior Golf Programme of the Year at the 2024 Golf Course Awards. The accolade underscores the facility’s dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a passion for golf among the next generation.
The Genesis and Evolution of the PING Junior Masters
The PING Junior Masters was first introduced in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House. The event, which has since grown in popularity and scope, was created with the support of Lee Westwood and PING Europe. Lee Westwood, an official Attached Tour Professional at Close House, played a pivotal role in the event’s inception and continues to be a passionate advocate for the growth of the game. "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 Westwood. "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: A Diverse and High-Quality Lineup
The 2025 PING Junior Masters series will see the return of well-known venues such as Ladybank in Fife, Scotland, and Worksop in Nottinghamshire, while welcoming new additions like Alwoodley in Leeds, England, which hosted last year’s R&A Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championship. This diverse selection of venues ensures that young golfers have access to a range of competitive experiences that will aid in their development. Each qualifying event will be run off nett scores, making the competition accessible to a broader range of junior golfers. The final event will take place at Close House on 28th October 2025, where the selected participants will have the opportunity to play on the Championship Colt Course.
Age Categories and Qualification Process
The 2025 series will feature three age categories: 12 and under, 15 and under, and 18 and under. One girl and two boys from each age group at each qualifying event will advance to the grand final at Close House. This structured qualification process ensures that the competition remains fair and inclusive, providing a platform for young golfers to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.
PING Europe’s Continued Support
PING Europe continues to support the PING Junior Masters, providing all the prizes at the grand final. Dave Fanning, European Marketing Director at PING Europe, commented, "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, PING and Close House are dedicated to growing the game by providing free golf coaching to over 1,000 schoolchildren each year. The Close House PGA Teaching Team is instrumental in this effort, delivering expert coaching both in schools and at the Close House Academy.
A Pathway for Aspiring Golfers
Close House is committed to offering a comprehensive golfing pathway for junior golfers, from grassroots coaching to competitive experiences. Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director of Close House, stated, "This initiative is incredible, offering competitive experience for aspiring junior golfers while 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." The PING Junior Masters is not just a competition but a platform that nurtures talent, fosters a love for the game, and provides young golfers with the tools and experiences they need to succeed in their golfing journeys.
