THE clock is ticking down to the start of golf’s most prestigious mixed-entry event for young amateur players.
The Peter McEvoy trophy, whose previous winners include Justin Rose and Lee Westwood, will take place on April 10.
Regarded as a pathway to greatness, whoever comes out on top is likely to be catapulted towards success.
Celebrating the upcoming event, former winner Peter Baker who triumphed in it as a teenager in 1983, said: “It was one of the tournaments that you always wanted to win and only being 15 at the time gave me a lot of confidence and it got me into the England national team.
“I still remember the feeling of winning and lifting the trophy at such a young age only added fuel to the fire for more success.
“I do think this tournament is unique and a great way for the next generation to make their name and get into the professional game.
“Playing on the course really is a great way of getting into the professional game.
“I would say to all young upcoming golfers, both guys and girls, to take this competition very seriously.”
This year’s event is being organised with the backing of Champions (UK) plc who have a track record in transforming golf tournaments.
The Farmfoods British Par Three is among a string of golfing events Champions (UK) have helped make unmissable in recent years.
Now the Peter McEvoy Trophy is set to provide another highlight for golfing fans.
Since its inception in 1981, the Peter McEvoy Trophy has been the traditional curtain-raiser to the junior golf season and is arguably the most prestigious Great British and Irish amateur mixed entry competition for young golfers.
Held at the Copt Heath Golf Club in Solihull, Birmingham and played over 72 holes over two consecutive days (Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th April) by both boys and girls, the under-18 tournament is one of the most highly regarded English amateur events to adopt a mixed-entry competition to date.
All competitors play the first 36 holes on Day 1, playing in groups of three. The leading 40 players (and ties) then return for the final 36 holes on the following day, which is played in two-balls.
Tournament director, Ian Davidson believes it is a great stepping stone for those who have ambitions of being selected for the England squad.
He said: “This tournament is massive for those who are in regional squads and want to break into the England squad.
“Jack Lee is a prime example as he was in Kent under-18’s and then got into the England boys’ squad at the end of the season.
“It’s a chance for kids to come out and show what they can do. Both boys and girls, as lots of them want to go to college in America so a brilliant score at the Peter McEvoy can only enhance that.”
With the expectation that England boys are set to compete in this year’s tournament, online entry is still open and is open to all amateur golfers of all nationalities who are under the age of 18 years at 00.00 hours on 1st January 2024.
Please note that Entries may be made online at the Copt Heath Golf Club website. To enter online, a competitor must possess a WHS membership number.
For more information on the Peter McEvoy trophy as well as how to enter, please visit https://www.coptheathgolf.co.uk