Close House to Stage PING Junior Masters 2026
Close House, a premier golf club in Northumberland, is once again set to take center stage in junior golf as the host of the highly regarded PING Junior Masters in 2026. The club, which was recently named the ‘Junior Golf Programme of the Year,’ will host both a qualifying event and the grand finale of the tournament, further reinforcing its reputation as a significant platform for nurturing young golfing talent in the UK.
A Platform for Aspiring Golfers
The PING Junior Masters series for 2026 plans to outshine all previous years with a lineup of nine qualifying events spread across seven different counties in the UK. The series will culminate in a ‘full tour experience’ final on the Championship Colt Course at Close House on October 27, 2026. This broad spectrum of events provides youngsters with a priceless opportunity to gain competitive experience under tournament conditions, something that will undoubtedly help fast-track their development as they compete against their peers from across the nation.
Ensuring Accessibility and Diversity
Each qualifying event will be based on nett scores, ensuring that a wide range of junior golfers have the opportunity to progress to the grand finale at Close House. This approach ensures a diverse and inclusive field, with two boys and one girl from the Under 12, Under 15, and Under 18 categories earning their place in the final from every venue.
PING Junior Masters – A Growing Legacy
Launched in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House, the PING Junior Masters has blossomed into one of the UK’s most exciting and accessible junior series. Backed by PING Europe and endorsed by former Ryder Cup star and Close House Attached Tour Professional Lee Westwood, the event provides young golfers with a taste of elite competition in a professional setting.
Community Impact and Long-term Engagement
Beyond competition, the initiative has a significant impact on the community. Through the Junior Masters programme, the Close House PGA Teaching Team delivers free coaching to more than 1,000 schoolchildren annually. This initiative not only introduces golf to new audiences but also strengthens the sport at the grassroots level, creating long-term engagement with the sport.
Nurturing the Next Generation
PING Europe continues to show its commitment to nurturing the next generation of golfers by providing prizes for the grand finale. According to Dave Fanning, European Marketing Director at PING Europe, the Junior Masters perfectly reflects what junior golf should be about – opportunity, development, and enjoyment.
A Thrilling Conclusion
The PING Junior Masters Final will transpire at Close House on October 28, 2026, promising a thrilling end to another standout year in junior golf. Golf enthusiasts and supporters of the next generation of golfing talent eagerly anticipate this event.