Should Juniors Be Allowed To Play In Adult Competitions?
It has always been a hot topic at golf clubs and is once again in the spotlight this week...
Should Juniors Be Allowed To Play In Adult Competitions?
Earlier this week, we reported the news of Ping overturning a decision at its Lincolnshire Golf Club after members voted to ban junior girls from competing in ladies competitions.
Ping said that the decision went entirely against its brand ethos of supporting the women’s game and immediately reversed the decision of the vote.
In an email statement, Ping Europe’s Managing Director John Clark wrote that they “immediately revoked the proposal and have it very clear that it goes completely against the values, principles and philosophies of Ping and would never permit this to go ahead.”
This got us thinking about juniors playing in adult competitions, a topic that has been a big talking point at golf clubs for many, many years.
We asked our social media audience for their views on the subject, and the views were overwhelmingly in favour of allowing juniors to play in adult competitions.
Related: Coach speaks out after viral junior golf dress code tweet
Even 2019 Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew got involved, writing that she finds it “really sad that this is even a question.”
Former US Amateur champion and three-time European Tour winner Richie Ramsay wrote, “Can’t believe this is still a question 25 years since it was an issue for me. Let the best player in the club win, golf doesn’t recognise if ur a CEO or still at school.”
Ian Veale, manager at Tehidy Park Golf Club in Cornwall, wrote, “Yes. Our club champion this year is the youngest in the history of the club; 15 years old, & this weekend made his debut in the men’s scratch team, beating a former county captain in the process & helping the team to victory. No brainer.”
Should Juniors Be Allowed To Play In Adult Competitions?
Can’t believe this is still a question 25 years since it was an issue for me. Let the best player in the club win, golf doesn’t recognise if ur a CEO or still at school. https://t.co/Cr4fVUjYmQ
— Richie Ramsay (@RamsayGolf) October 23, 2019
I find it really sad that this is even a question ….
— Catriona matthew (@Beany25) October 23, 2019
I wasn’t allowed to play until I was 18. The reason for it.. “you’ll have plenty of years to play in it”. Hence why my name isn’t up on the boards much. But thankfully my club has changed its policy now
— Sophie Walker (@SophWalks) October 22, 2019
Yes. Our club champion this year is the youngest in the history of the club; 15 years old, & this weekend made his debut in the men's scratch team, beating a former county captain in the process & helping the team to victory. No brainer @Simmo_Golf @joshcha51082159 @swsportsnews pic.twitter.com/81I6tG07l6
— Ian Veale (@IanjVeale) October 22, 2019
Was always welcomed as a junior player @EnniscroneGolf ….played in all the Sunday competitions and have to say the ladies back then were my biggest cheerleaders I can’t fathom why any club would begrudge juniors that opportunity to compete.
— Michelle Holmes Golf (@mholmesgolf) October 22, 2019
Absolutely, I’ve always been welcomed by the ladies and gents at @NorwoodParkGolf its meant both mine and my brothers golf has improved massively …I learn loads from the members and to play with them. Learning from the best
— Madeleine Smith (@golfmadmaddie) October 22, 2019
Yes If they are capable of playing from same tees as the adults. But also there is a part of me that would not want to take away from the junior section of the clubs. Kids aren't young for long that should enjoy competing with their peers. Unless they are exceeding that standard
— Michael Vine (@mike_v83) October 22, 2019
If they have handicaps and play off the same tees, why not! Great experience for them.
— ????????????????????????????ℂ (@TheGolfDivoTee) October 22, 2019
Yes, in any other sport, age does not matter, it gives juniors the experience of competing, and they are the future, the game has to move forward, and change is the way to do it.
— stuart garforth (@GarforthS) October 22, 2019
I’m 12 years old and play in Adult comps. I repair my pitchmarks, replace my divots, never throw my club after a bad shot and try 2 be a supportive and respectful playing partner. I’ve only ever had 1 big problem playing in an adult event… and that club doesn’t exist anymore.
— ArchieQualtrough (@ArchieQualt) October 22, 2019
I got cut general play when I was about 13/14 to 18 so I could play in men’s comps. First comp in I shot a nett 62 they loved me
— Chris Leonard (@LankyCobbler) October 22, 2019
Yes, i'd go even further. Anyone with a handicap can play in competitions, make them mixed and from the 'competition tee'. Distance isn't rally a factor at most golf clubs, skill and course management is.
— Lee (@Tasty_Burger) October 22, 2019
If they are good enough then absolutely. As a junior I won a couple of senior trophies at my club and was respected as a player because I could compete
— Campbell Scott (@Chubbles1977) October 22, 2019
A question that has been debated for years which has many different answers. But remember, a 14 year old played in @TheMasters !
— Ed Martin PGA (@Edm_pro) October 22, 2019
Junior golfers are the present of the game and not just the future. If the present development and golfing needs of juniors cannot be met at clubs then sadly the decline in number of golfers will continue in the future and those juniors will look for something else to do!
— Aaron MOHUN (@AaronMohun) October 22, 2019
Definitely, and clubs that say otherwise won't be around for too long! Progressive clubs have always encouraged junior involvement in the game and I'm proud to play for @fulfordgolfclub in adult comps. And why not? We've Juniors in County scratch teams & National Squads!
— Alex Bonfield (@BonfieldAlex) October 23, 2019
You are really asking this? I won a major cup at my club in 1977 aged 13 and had no animosity. At 16 i won a significant inter club title only to be told juniors weren’t allowed to play! I thought most clubs were past this shit! Have we really made so little progress?
— Graham Lawrence (@gaiarite) October 22, 2019
Definitely we’ve always had juniors play in our comps. Must say though a lot of the old boys were getting the hump when they was getting beat by the kids that’s why the handicap system works. A few of our boys ended up playing for England
— Tommo (@Tommo06920031) October 22, 2019
Related: 10 things you know if you were a junior golfer
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