Tee Off For New Junior Golf Competition

On Wednesday 21 February, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council launched a brand new junior golf tournament, the Newry, Mourne and Down Junior Summer Golf Trophy, which will tee off in August 2018. 

The Junior Golf Trophy has been created in conjunction with the Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch), Irish Ladies Golfing Union Ltd (Northern District) and Royal County Down, Warrenpoint and Kilkeel Golf Clubs.

The Tournament will be open to boys and girls under 18 years of age on 1 January 2018. In addition to the overall prize, which will be open to beginner, advanced and elite golfers, prizes will also be awarded in three age categories - under 18s, under 16s and under 14s. The qualifying tournaments will take place at Kilkeel and Warrenpoint Golf Clubs on the 16 and 17 August, and the top 20 overall gross scores will qualify to play the championship course on Friday 17 August at the world famous Royal County Down.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “The Newry, Mourne and Down Junior Golf Tournament has been created to develop and support grass roots golf in the district and provide junior golfers with an outstanding opportunity to experience great competitions on wonderful courses at top class venues.”

“The aim is for the Junior Golf Tournament to become an established event that offers a regional platform of elite competition which will attract high levels of entrants each year from across the Island of Ireland and beyond. The successful establishment of the Tournament will also serve as a vehicle to showcase the area’s natural beauty and tourist attractions to those who visit from outside the district.

Councillor Mulgrew continued, “The Tournament will be competitive, challenging and fun and will help every child enjoy the sport of golf.”

Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch) Chairman, John White said, ”The Golfing Union of Ireland (Ulster Branch) is delighted to be associated with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s new golf competition, the Newry, Mourne and Down Junior Golf Summer Trophy.  This competition is an excellent stepping stone for juniors between those taking up the game and those that have reached an elite standard, who play in the various GUI/Ulster Branch Championships across the country.”

He continued, “The attraction to families is especially welcomed, with the competitions at Kilkeel and Warrenpoint supplemented by a Flag competition for those not able to play in the Summer Trophy itself. We wish all competitors and their family and friends an enjoyable few days in this very picturesque part of the country.”

The flag competition will run concurrently with the competitions in Kilkeel and Warrenpoint. It is open to boys and girls under 10 years of age and to any golfer under 18 without an official handicap.  Starting on the 10^th Tee, in 25 shots the golfers will see how far they can get and prizes will be awarded according to age. After the flag competition the club professionals will host a clinic for all participants.

The Newry, Mourne and Down Summer Trophy will also run alongside this exciting new junior competition. This senior tournament is a great way to mingle and meet with golfers from all over Europe, with a total prize fund in excess of £3,000 including daily prizes for category winners. Golfers will play Spa, St Patrick’s and Royal County Down Golf Clubs on 15-17 August 2018. To book your space, visit newrymournedownsummertrophy.com 

Entry fee for the Junior Summer Golf Trophy is £20, which includes the booking fee. To take part in this fantastic competition, book your place now at visitmournemountains.co.uk