Close House is set to host the PING Junior Masters in 2025, with nine qualifying events planned across seven counties in the UK. The golf course was awarded Junior Golf Programme of the Year at the 2024 Golf Course Awards, showcasing their dedication to developing the game at all levels. The PING Junior Masters was first launched in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House, and has since gained support from golfing legend Lee Westwood and PING Europe, making it one of the most accessible and exciting junior golf events in the UK.
Lee Westwood, who played a key role in creating the event, remains a passionate advocate for growing the game and providing competitive opportunities for young golfers. He expressed his delight in the continuation of the program and the positive impact it has had on junior golfers. The 2025 series will feature well-known venues such as Ladybank in Fife, Scotland, and Worksop in Nottinghamshire, while also welcoming Alwoodley in Leeds, host of last year’s R&A Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championship.
The 2025 events aim to provide a competitive experience for young golfers that will aid in their development and growth within the sport. Each qualifying event will be run off nett scores, allowing a broader range of junior golfers to have the opportunity to reach the grand final at Close House. There are three age categories at each qualifying location: 12 and under, 15 and under, and 18 and under. Three qualifiers from each age group will earn a spot in the final at Close House on October 28, 2025, where they will experience a tour of the Championship Colt Course.
Close House remains committed to offering a golfing pathway for junior golfers, with the support of PING allowing for grassroots coaching in local schools. The PING Junior Masters is not just a competition, but a platform for nurturing talent and inspiring the next generation of golfers. PING Europe continues their support by providing prizes for the grand final, aiming to give young golfers a special and unique experience to remember.
The Close House PGA Teaching Team is dedicated to providing free golf coaching to over 1,000 schoolchildren each year, both in schools and at the Close House Academy. This commitment to growing the game and fostering a lifelong love for golf showcases the impact and importance of initiatives like the PING Junior Masters. The team at Close House is proud of the Junior Masters and their recognition at The Golf Course Awards, highlighting the positive influence the event has had on junior golfers.
