It has always been a hot topic in golf clubs and is once again in the spotlight this week…
Should juniors be allowed to compete in adult competitions?
Earlier this week we announced the news of Ping overturns decision at his Lincolnshire Golf Club after members voted to ban junior girls from competing in women’s competitions.
Ping said the decision went completely against her brand ethos of supporting women’s football and immediately overturned the vote’s decision.
In an emailed statement, Ping Europe managing director John Clark wrote that they “immediately revoked the proposal and made it clear that it went completely against the values, principles and philosophy of Ping and would never allow this to continue.”
This got us thinking about juniors playing in adult competitions, a topic that has been a big topic of discussion at golf clubs for many, many years.
We asked our audience on social media for their views on the subject, and the opinions were overwhelmingly in favor of allowing juniors to compete in adult competitions.
Related: Coach speaks out after viral tweet about junior golf dress code
We received responses from big names in the golf world, including six-time major winner Nick Faldo, who wrote: “In 1973 I played on the WGC monthly medal weekend and won it…I was quickly disqualified because I started at Les 10 45 and juniors weren’t allowed on the course until 11am. So why change now 47 years later?!?!?”
Captain Catriona Matthew, winner of the 2019 Solheim Cup, said she found it “really sad that this is even a question”.
Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray said: “Definitely yes. If they’re good enough to compete, they’re old enough. Socially important too. No phones or iPads for the duration, a big plus .”
1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie said: “A lot of golf clubs won’t admit it, but a lot of clubs don’t let juniors play in adult competitions until their handicap is high enough. low, even though the majority of adults play at higher handicaps.”
Richie Ramsay, former US amateur champion and three-time European Tour winner, wrote: “I can’t believe this is still a question, 25 years later it was a problem for me. Whether the best player at the club wins, golf doesn’t recognize whether you’re a CEO or you’re still in school.”
Ian Veale, manager of Tehidy Park Golf Club in Cornwall, wrote: “Yes. Our club champion this year is the youngest in the club’s history; 15 years old, and this weekend made his debut in the scratch men’s team, beating a former county captain in the process and helping the team to victory.
Should juniors be allowed to compete in adult competitions?
Related: 10 things you would know if you were a junior golfer
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