CUMBRIA’S top junior golfers will be testing themselves against the best players in the region in the North Mini Tour 2016.

Boys aged between eight and 12 – and girls up to 13 – will play tournaments at Ulverston and Grange-over-Sands golf clubs as part of a string of qualifying events.

Players from Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland will be among those hoping to finish near the top of the leaderboard and reach the end-of-season regional finale.

England Golf regional officer Jason Budd said: “The Junior Tour is an ideal introduction to competitive golf for younger players.

“Macdonalds Hotel and Resorts have been extremely impressed by how the Tour provides more opportunities for younger players to participate in a fun and competitive environment across the region, opening up a pathway from grassroots golfer to elite level.

“Players of different ages and abilities can all take part – even those new to the sport.

“Competing on different courses against players of a similar ability is a great way for the young players to develop their golfing skills and test themselves against their peers.

“I would also like to thank all the host venues and volunteers for their support in making the Junior Tour such a success story.”

The 2016 schedule, sponsored by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts and Chinny Dipper, sees qualifying events played out over nine holes.

Each round is split into different age and ability categories, with novice players using forward tees and adapted rules. Each of the five rounds costs £6 each, with sponsors providing prizes for the overall winners.

The upcoming Cumbria qualifying events take place at Ulverston GC (Sunday, June 19); Grange over Sands GC (Sunday, July 24); and Penrith (Sunday, August 21).

The final takes place at Macdonald Linden Hall, in Northumberland, on Sunday, September 4.

l For more information visit www.cumbriagolf.org or contact Cumbria organiser Stephen Ling via email to Stephen.Lingpga@gmail.com or on 07833 205636.