Up Down! New Junior event kicks off in August

JUNIOR golfers counting down to the summer holidays can look forward to the new “Newry, Mourne and Down Junior Summer Golf Trophy” from August 15-17.

Open to boys and girls under 18 years of age on 1 January this year, there will be prizes at Under-18, Under-16 and Under-14 level and a parallel event for Under 10s and Under 18s who do not have a handicap.

The juniors will play at Kilkeel and Warrenpoint hoping to qualify for the final day on the world famous links at Royal County Down.

But there will also be a “Flag” competition – run concurrently with the Junior Summer Golf Trophy – open to boys and girls under 10 or any golfer under 18 without an official handicap.

The “Flag” event will see golfers start on the 10th tee and see how far they can get with 25 shots.

John White, Chairman of the GUI’s Ulster Branch, said the Summer Trophy is “an excellent stepping stone between those taking up the game and those that have reached an elite standard”, adding that the “Flag” competition was a welcome added attraction for families.

A separate Senior Summer Golf Trophy for adults will also be played from August 15-17 at Spa, St. Patrick’s and Royal County Down

For further information, go to visitmournemountains.co.uk (entries £20) while entries for the adult event can be made at newrymournedownsummertrophy.com

Irish international Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint), pictured (left) with event organisers, has given his backing to the Junior Summer Golf Trophy