Young golfing talent, aged 16 and under, from all over Kent are flocking to fill up the remaining places for the Kent International Junior Open to be held at Etchinghill Golf course on Monday August 7th….and the organisers are particularly delighted to see so many talented girls  competing in  this year alongside the boys… The tournament will be held over 36 holes starting early in the morning on the 7^th, with a free practice round available to all competitors on the previous day, Sunday August 6^th.   There are some 10 – 15 places remaining so to avoid disappointment, anyone interested must contact the organisers Champion International immediately.  New this year will be on-line real time scoring which means that the competitors scores can be followed on the internet throughout the day on www.golftoday.co.uk .

 The Junior Open has been designed for all type of young golfing talent and ability with its three divisions – Gold, with a Gold Division trophy for top players of single figure handicaps; Silver with a Silver Division Trophy for  the up-and-coming with handicaps between 10 and 20, and bronze division with a Bronze division Trophy… up to 28 for boys and 45 for girls.   As well as a Trophy for the best Lady Golfer Prize,  there will also be a Rules and Etiquette Prize for the youngster showing the best knowledge of the rules and etiquette of golf and a Best Sportsperson Prize and everyone entering the Junior Open will have a special certificate.

Girl entries now include Alice Bourne with a 9 handicap of 9 from Italy,  Clare Auberson with a handicap of 8.4 from Switzerland,  Federica Angiolotti from Italy with a 6 handicap – so girl entries from Kent will have tough international competition.  “It’s also a great opportunity for the competitors to make  international friendships – and opportunities for Kent golfers to perhaps get to play golf abroad,” said Champion organiser, Stuart Holmes.  “We are particularly pleased to see Pamela McGiurk from Princes, coming from one of the most talented golfing families in Kent,  Louise Williams who is making her name at Canterbury Golf Club, and Clare Fermor coming from Tenterden Golf club along with Danielle Gibb from Rochester and Cobham Park Golf Club.”

Hamish Morrison with an 8 handicap is going to be a strong contender, with his home golf club being the competition venue, Etchinghill.   Graeme Andrews is in on a 9 handicap coming from Bearsted Golf club and Michael Cutting, playing off 11 from Broke Hill Golf Club.

The Kent  International Junior Open’s aim is to encourage international cooperation through  junior golf .

Every young golfer belonging to any golf club in Kent is welcome to play or attend  what is planned to be an exciting day for golf with plenty of press and TV coverage, special polo shirts for competitors and a tournament supper after the event.    “We are very pleased that we will have young golfers representing 12 countries this year…including, of course, the best Under 16 golfer in Zimbabwe, Abbas Ali Mawji, with his handicap of only l.  Golf is a game for all – and juniors throughout  Kent are  increasing  every year, ”   commented Sonia Copeland, who has just returned from  Scotland after successfully organising the Junior Open Championships for the Royal and Ancient in ST. Andrews.  Sonia, the first woman consultant for the R&A, founded the Junior Open in Kent in l993 when the Open was at Sandwich and this event is now held biennially alongside the Open.  “We had an amazing 74 countries participating for the Championships and all the competitors attended the Open.   “I am delighted to see the Kent International’s mixed Tournament growing so successfully - with 26 Kent Golf Clubs participating and 12 countries.”  Next year’s date is planned to be August 6^th – venue to be announced. Please contact Stuart Holmes for all further details on Tel:  01227 457447 or Fax 01227 470912 or email stuart@championgolf.co.uk for last minute entries.