The 2024 PING Junior Masters grand final recently took place at Close House, with over 70 junior golfers showcasing their skills on the championship Colt Course. The winners of the six categories were separated by just three shots, with 10-year-old Havish Aravind from Brampton Golf Club in Cumbria crowned as the overall champion with a Stableford score of 39 points. The age group winners included Havish Aravind, Henry Murphy, Kayla Hill, James Henderson, Amelia Hothersall, and Lily Jane Morgan.
Ryder Cup legend Lee Westwood, Close House’s affiliated professional, played a key role in the early development of the Junior Masters. He presented prizes to each category winner and hosted a Q&A session, sharing valuable insights from his career with the young golfers. Westwood expressed his excitement about the growth of the series and thanked Close House, PING, and parents for their support in the juniors’ golfing journeys.
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Close House, expressed pride in continuing the legacy event that began with the 2017 British Masters Golf Tournament at the club. PING provided all the prizes at the grand final, making the experience truly memorable for the juniors. Dave Fanning, PING European Marketing Director, commended Close House for their annual efforts in hosting the event and supporting junior golf outreach.
Qualifiers for the event were held from April to September in eight counties, providing young golfers with a taste of competitive golf. Close House also offers free coaching to over 1,200 schoolchildren as part of their initiative to discover and inspire the next generation of golfing talent. The support and participation from PING, Close House, and parents have been crucial in the success of the PING Junior Masters.
The event has grown over the past seven years, attracting a large number of junior golfers eager to compete and showcase their skills. The close contest and high level of competition at the grand final highlighted the talent and dedication of the young golfers. Lee Westwood’s involvement and mentorship added to the excitement and learning experience for the juniors.
The PING Junior Masters aims to engage more juniors in the game of golf and provide them with opportunities to develop their skills in a competitive and supportive environment. The event not only celebrates the achievements of the young golfers but also promotes the values of sportsmanship, perseverance, and dedication. Close House’s commitment to fostering junior talent and PING’s support play a significant role in the success and impact of the event.
