Smiles all round at Foshan Open Junior Pro-Am

Local children have teamed up with the European Challenge Tour’s finest to take part in a Junior Pro-Am at Foshan Golf Club today.

The Chinese youngsters, some aged as young as six, teed it up alongside 12 professionals from the Challenge Tour and  the China Tour in the second edition of the fun event – which took place for the first time last year.

The nine-hole event comprised of two juniors being paired with a Challenge Tour star competing in this week’s Foshan Open, with each threesome taking part in a “3-three-III” format – which was designed for quick, ready golf.

Holes one to three were a “best ball” format, with all players playing their own ball, while holes four to six were played as “scramble” – all players tee off, the best tee shot is chosen before all players play their second shot and continue in that manner until the ball is holed out.

During the final three holes, the format was then switched again to an “alternate shot” system. Through these holes the professional teed off on hole seven, the oldest junior started on hole eight, before the youngest junior kicked things off on hole nine – the final hole of the tournament.

In total 12 teams took part in the innovative event which is the only one of its kind on the Challenge Tour and in China. The 24 junior golfers who teed it up today will be present at the Foshan Open over the weekend where they will help to run the driving range.

“Today’s event was another example of the Challenge Tour helping to grow the game for the next generation,” said Alain de Soultrait, Challenge Tour Director.

“To have so many children taking part was fantastic and the fact that we had a six year old girl playing was awesome.

“With the international nature of the Challenge Tour it is important that we help to introduce youngsters from all over the world to our great game, and I am delighted that our players and the children had so much fun during this event today.”