The Junior Open is now organised by the Royal and Ancient who are building it up to be one of their most prestigious and largest tournaments, taking place alongside the Open Championships. After playing their tournament at the start of Open Week, the youngsters are special guests of the R & A at the Open. A record breaking group of Under 16 Champions nominated by 74 golfing nations competed in this year’s event.
The Fourth Junior Open Championship, known as the Millennium Challenge, drew to a dramatic close at Crail yesterday with Sweden’s Steven Jeppesen claiming the title by a single stroke from Rafael Cabrera of Spain. The Swede emerged victorious despite being five shots behind overnight leader Cabrera after four holes of the final round.
One of the early trophy winners of the Junior Open was Sergio Garcia, and last years winner David Inglis has just led the Scottish Boys Team to victory in the Boys Amateur Championships.
Regional Trophies:
European Trophy, presented by Fife Council: Nuno Henriques (Portugal)
Asia Pacific Trophy, presented by Unisys: Li Kang, China
Caribbean Trophy, presented by Halcrow: Oliver Burtton, Cayman Islands
Central American Trophy, presented by Nikon: Luis Cargiulo, Panama
South American Trophy, presented by Sodexho: Maria Martinez, Venezuela
North American Trophy: Hector Diaz Caballos, Mexico
Nordic Trophy, presented by BIGGA: Steven Jeppesen, Sweden
Eastern European Trophy, presented by Hanus Goldscheider,
President of the Czech Golf Federation: Peter Wieger, Slovakia
Middle Eastern Trophy, presented by UAE Golf Association: Mohammed Al-Noami, Bahrain
African Trophy, presented by Mastercard: Ibrahim Mojoo, Malawi