Latest news with #JustinRoseTelegraphJuniorGolfChampionship
Telegraph
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Justin Rose: Why I can see beyond my Masters heartache
The feelings I have from playing at Augusta this year are still with me – they are bittersweet of course, thinking about what might have been, but they're also mixed with so much joy and are giving me a great deal of pride. Losing to Rory McIlroy in a play-off (my second Masters play-off loss!) was tough because I don't know a golfer who hasn't dreamed of winning that green jacket. So to come so close on that Sunday, well it was a dream that nearly came true. Disappointment is a natural part of competitive sport. You pour your heart and soul into preparation, navigate the pressures of a tournament and sometimes, despite your best efforts, it doesn't go your way. But even in those moments, there are always positives: the incredible atmosphere, the unwavering support and the knowledge that you competed at the highest level against the world's best players. And then there's Rory. Watching him lift that trophy, completing his career grand slam, was very special. His journey has been an inspiration to so many – his resilience, dedication and sheer talent are undeniable. There's also a bigger picture beyond me and Rory. I hope that both my performance and Rory's victory have resonated with young golfers across the UK. I remember being that kid, glued to the television, watching golf 's elite battle it out and dreaming of one day walking those same fairways. That spark, that initial flicker of ambition, is so important. And that's why the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship holds such a special place in my heart. It's more than a tournament; it's a chance for young golfers to test their skills, experience competitive golf and, perhaps most importantly, to believe. Over the years, I've seen firsthand the incredible talent that emerges from this championship. It's a breeding ground for future stars; a place where dreams are nurtured and lifelong friendships are forged. The thrill of competition, the camaraderie among players, the invaluable experience of playing under pressure – these are all vital ingredients in the development of a young golfer. My journey to professional golf wasn't always smooth, but the early experiences I gained in junior competitions shaped me as a player and as a person. The Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship offers that same crucial foundation. It provides a clear pathway, a chance to compete against peers and exposure that opens doors to more opportunities. So, to all the young golfers out there in the UK who watched the Masters this year, and who felt that surge of excitement and maybe even dared to dream a little bigger – I urge you to take that feeling and channel it. Enter the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship and embark on your own golfing journey; to challenge yourself and to be part of a fantastic community.
Telegraph
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
‘Winning was one of the best days of my life'
Even 40 years on, Terry Berry can recall 'every minute and every shot' from the time he became this prestigious event's first-ever champion. 'It was one of the best days of my life,' says Berry, pictured left, who prevailed by one shot in 1985 in the inaugural year of the competition, now billed as the 'junior major'. Berry had qualified as one of the top 15 finalists after winning the Liphook Junior Open with a 72. He was invited to an 18-hole competition final which took place at The Belfry, one month after Europe's historic Ryder Cup victory on the same course. Terry Berry (centre) with fellow 1985 finalists David Hickman, right, and Richard Harris Aged 15, Berry was also the youngest competitor in the field of 14 boys and one girl, which included boys' amateur champion James Cook. Berry remembers going to the range at 10pm the night before the finals and 'striking the ball well'. The next day he holed a 35ft putt for par on the first and 'everything fell into place after that'. On the 18th, he drove into the bunker and was urged by his father, his caddie on the day, to lay up. 'The flag was on the top tier so we chose a five iron. It finished 6ft past and I knocked it in for a four,' he says. 'I shot a five over par 78, which sounds like a lot but it was a foggy and miserable day, and I won by one shot.' In the Telegraph offices on Fleet Street, four lifesize pictures of Berry were put on display in the windows for weeks afterwards. 'Everyone in the golfing world knew what a big deal this was,' says Berry. 'It showed great vision from The Telegraph to start the competition. Golf was on the up in the mid-1980s and for the newspaper to put on an event for youngsters enhanced junior golf and gave it a real boost.' Following his win, Berry turned professional in 1989 and played for 11 years on the European Challenge Tour Berry forged a fine amateur career, which included winning the Waterford Trophy, before turning professional in 1989 and playing for 11 years on the European Challenge Tour. He now owns his own property management firm and is a passionate military historian, taking tours to the Somme. Berry plays off plus four today and remains a staunch advocate of the junior game, saying that Justin Rose's title sponsorship of the event is 'magnificent for the sport'. 'There's a great junior golfer in every club,' Berry says. 'You have to give yourself the best opportunity, work hard, stay focused, have a decent goal to aim for and have the encouragement of the club where you play.' Sign up your club to host a qualifier for the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at
Telegraph
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Charlie Rusbridge sets his sights on a historic hat-trick
When Charlie Rusbridge won the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in December, the Essex talent checked the names on the boys' trophy and noticed that no player had won the event three times in a row. Rusbridge, who prevailed at the stunning Quinta do Lago South Course by an impressive eight shots, will aim to defend his title later this year when it returns to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the boys' event. 'There have been back-to-toback winners, but no one has won it three times in a row, so if I can be the first to do it that would be pretty cool,' he says. Rusbridge shot a superb 12 under par score as he recorded three rounds in the 60s, watched in the Algarve on the final day by his father Scott, a PGA teaching pro. 'It was really good fun and one of the best organised events I have ever played in,' says Rusbridge, who also won the English Amateur Under-18 title last summer. 'The Am-Am was great too. the whole event ran really smoothly. Dad's been with me pretty much every tournament, and when he saw I was doing nicely he came out,' he adds. Rusbridge, who turned 17 last month, admits to still being on a high after his Telegraph victory and revealed that Rose handed out some sage words of advice, which have already proved valuable in 2025. 'Justin said to keep working hard and stay patient through the tough times. It was really good advice: to just trust yourself and to know that you have it. 'I haven't started this season off as fast as I wanted, but to know I could do it in December has been a real confidence boost, and just to stay patient and it will come again,' he says. The Colne Valley golfer has set himself a 'six-year project' after verbally committing to a Florida State University scholarship in 2026. 'I'll turn pro in 2030 once I graduate, so I have five or so years to get ready to go on tour,' he says. Grace Crawford, who won the girls' event at Quinta do Lago by just two strokes, is one step ahead of Rusbridge and starts her US collegiate golf this year. This means that she can't defend her girls' title in the year the girls' event marks its 35th anniversary this winter. 'To cap off my junior career in that style to win was fantastic,' she says. The Scot is now based in the Bahamas at the Albany Golf Academy, and her coach Jon Hearn was also coached by Justin Rose himself. 'There were connections and Justin has such a cool legacy, so it was pretty special,' she says. 'I have had some good wins in the past, but this will be remembered.' Crawford signed off her junior golf career in style by hitting a career-first all greens in regulation en route to victory, and she also relished having the chance to play in front of the Sky Sports cameras and, of course, enjoy the downtime Quinta do Lago. She says: 'It was such a good week from start to finish. It was a great atmosphere and we were having fun off the course which made it enjoyable. A lot of memories were made. 'The funniest thing was that I saw Justin on the ninth tee on the last round. 'He was messaging my coach during the round, and he then took a video of me talking to Jon on the phone after I won. His embrace at the end was awesome – to have Justin Rose congratulating you on winning his tournament is pretty special, and I will remember [it] for a long time.' Crawford, who starts at University of Alabama this summer, will play the Helen Holm Scottish Women's Open for the first time since 2022, when she became the first home player to lift the title in 20 years. 'I'm excited to be taking the step into full-time amateur golf,' she adds. 'It may actually be less hectic than junior golf!'
Telegraph
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Win a place at an Under-18s golf clinic with Justin Rose
Justin Rose, host of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship, is delighted to offer 40 young entrants the chance to take part in an exclusive golf clinic with him at the Rose Ladies Open Sunday 7 September, 2025. The 40 lucky prize-draw winners will also be able to attend the Sunday of the Open with a parent or guardian. This is the fourth year of the Rose Ladies Open, one of the biggest events on the LETAS schedule, and Mimi Rhodes, our 2019 Junior Golf champion, turned professional at the tournament in 2024. It is a 54-hole stroke play tournament and the Junior Golf winners will get to see the final round on Sunday as well as attending the clinic. Following the success of US Open and Olympic champion Justin Rose's tutorial on the range for 40 prize-draw winners last year, he's returning to do it again this year. The prize draw is open to all juniors aged 18 or under who have taken part in a qualifying event for the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship 2025, but all entry forms must be completed on behalf of the junior by their guardian, parent or carer. 'The Rose Ladies Open is one of our favourite moments of the year and we are hugely looking forward to welcoming 40 lucky prize-draw winners from qualifiers for the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship for this year's clinic,' say Justin and Kate Rose. 'The 40 boys and girls also have the chance to watch some brilliant golfers in action at the Rose Ladies Open.' Enter by 23:59 on Monday 1 September 2025. UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland residents only. 18+.
Telegraph
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Celebrating 40 years of the junior major
It is with great pride, delight and excitement that I announce the return of the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship for 2025, marking the 40th anniversary of this prestigious tournament. For four decades this contest has provided a stage for the best young golfers in the UK and Ireland to showcase their talents, and I am honoured to continue my association with it as the title sponsor. This championship holds a special place in my heart, of course. I was fortunate enough to win the boys' title in 1997, a moment that played a pivotal role in shaping my career. The experience of competing in such a high-profile junior event, feeling the pressure of performing on a grand stage, and knowing that previous winners had gone on to achieve great things, was inspiring. It gave me a taste of what professional golf might feel like and fuelled my determination to pursue my dreams. Over the years, this championship has unearthed some of the brightest talents in golf. Major champion Matt Fitzpatrick won it in 2012 while Tommy Fleetwood finished a close second in 2008. Meanwhile, Mimi Rhodes, the 2019 girls' champion, is making amazing progress in the women's game now and looks destined for great things. What sets this competition apart is not just the prestige but also the incredible journey it offers young golfers. From the moment they tee off in the qualifiers to the grand final at Quinta do Lago, they experience an environment that mirrors the highest levels of the sport. Last year's tournament was as spectacular a showcase of junior golf as ever. Charlie Rusbridge and Grace Crawford eventually emerged victorious after an incredible few days of competition in Portugal, at which I was fortunate enough to be present. The course at Quinta, with its challenging layout and pristine conditions, tested every aspect of the competitors' games, ensuring that the very best rose to the top again. It was fantastic to see the camaraderie among the players, the sportsmanship on display, and the way they embraced the challenge of playing under pressure. With 2025 the 40th edition of the championship, this year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever. The qualifying process remains as competitive as always, with boys and girls from across the UK and Ireland battling it out. The best will earn their spots in the final at Quinta do Lago, where they will compete for one of the most coveted titles in junior golf. Quinta do Lago, our long-standing host venue, will once again provide the perfect backdrop for the final. With its world-class facilities and stunning Algarve setting, it offers young golfers a taste of professional-level competition, preparing them for the future as few other junior events can. Supporting this championship is about more than just recognising talent – it's about inspiring the next generation. I know first hand how much events like this mean to young golfers, and I want to ensure that they continue to have the same opportunities that I had. Golf is a sport that teaches discipline, resilience and integrity, and I strongly believe the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship embodies all of these values. As we celebrate this milestone year, I encourage every young golfer with aspirations of greatness to seize this opportunity. The road to Quinta do Lago 2025 starts now, and I cannot wait to see who will rise to the occasion and write their own chapter in this tournament's illustrious history. Good luck to all those who are entering.
