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

We had some big names from the world of golf respond including six-time Major winner Nick Faldo who wrote, "In 1973 I played in the WGC weekend monthly medal and won it...I was promptly disqualified because I tee’d off at 10 45 and juniors weren’t allowed on the course till 11am! So why change now 47 years later?!?!?"

2019 Solheim Cup-winning captain Catriona Matthew said that she finds it "really sad that this is even a question."

Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray said, "Unquestionably, Yes. If they’re good enough to compete, they’re old enough. Socially important also. No phones or iPads for the duration a big plus."

1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie said, "Loads of golf clubs won’t admit it but a lot of clubs do not let juniors play in adult comps until there handicap is low enough even though the majority of adults play off higher handicaps."

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?

Related: 10 things you know if you were a junior golfer

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels @golfmonthlymagazine and @golfmonthly on Twitter and Instagram