More than 100 juniors competed for season-ending trophies in the Grand Final of the Northern Junior Golf Tour at Thonock Park.
The PING-sponsored tour has hosted events across the north of England throughout the year, with young golfers of all levels taking part and gaining points to climb up their respective orders of merit.
The winners this year were: Austin Eastwood (U12 Boys Gross & Nett), Thomas Suggitt (U14 Boys Gross), James Powell (U14 Boys Nett), Ethan Jeff (U16 Boys Gross), Charles Calvert (U16 Boys Nett), Joe Mulroy (U18 Boys Gross), Thomas Black (U18 Boys Nett), Scarlette Richardson (U14 Girls Gross), Ella Wilson (U14 Girls Nett), Antonia Emmerson (U18 Girls Gross), Sophia Rudd (U18 Girls Nett), Ethan Harris (Intermediate Boys Gross), Ernest Booth (Intermediate Boys Nett), Evie Goodman (Intermediate Girls Gross), Scarlett Crossley (Intermediate Girls Nett), Jake Smith (Beginner Boys 6-7 years), Tom Prytherch (Beginner Boys 8-9 years), Kobi Moss (Beginner Boys 10-12 years), Nixie Corcoran (Beginner Girls 6-9 years), and Niamh Carruthers (Beginner Girls 10-12 years).
The Northern Junior Tour was established in 2009 and has grown into one of the leading junior tours in the UK. The NJGT, in association with PING, prides itself on delivering high-quality, professional events for junior golfers aged 6-18, who can compete for honours while having fun and making new friends.
“We launched the tour in 2009 to provide fun and competitive opportunities for young golfers,” said Tour director Jason Budd. “PING has been in association with the tour as the headline sponsor for four years now and it’s so encouraging to know that you have the backing of such a prestigious global brand.
“The support we have from PING means everything and they are really helping us make strides to becoming the biggest junior tour in the UK. We find the biggest reward of the NJGT is seeing the players creating new friendships, developing skills for life, and increasing their confidence on and off the course.”
The tour is divided into mini tours dependant on ability. The Rookies’ Tour is designed for juniors between the ages of 6-14 years old looking for an introduction to competitive golf, with the Masters Tour as the next step for those aged 18 and under with a WHS handicap of 28.4 or below – offering a full 18-hole tournament experience.
“We’re proud to once again support such an inclusive event that is helping to bring through the next generation of golfers. At PING, we know how important it is to continue to grow the game and the Northern Junior Golf Tour is doing exactly that,” comments Dave Fanning, PING European marketing director.
As well as PING, support was provided by national governing body England Golf on finals day, with chief executive Jeremy Tomlinson in attendance. “It was fantastic to see so much talent from the young golfers participating in the grand final and we’re delighted to continue our involvement with such a brilliant event,” said Jeremy.
The NJGT’s 2024 schedule will include 15 qualifying events as well as a junior/adult team event, national girls’ championship, and another Grand Final. For more information, and full results from the Grand Final, visit www.northernjuniorgolftour.co.uk
