Entries are now open for the eighth edition of the Oceânico World Kids Golf Championship (OWKG), and the appeal of a professionally run international ‘tour’ event for juniors is proving more popular than ever. Last year’s tournament attracted a record 142 competitors, and 2016 already looks set to eclipse that figure. The three-round stroke play event runs from 25-29 July at the renowned
Amendoeira Golf Resort on the Algarve in Portugal, with tournament rounds played on the Oceânico Faldo and Oceânico O’Connor Junior courses. With all the trappings of a professional tournament, such as international television coverage,live scoreboards, rules officials, ‘tour’ dress standards, a glamorous prize giving function and world ranking points for the older categories, it’s no surprise that the entry list is filling up fast for this R&A-sanctioned event.
As ever, entries are coming in from as far afield as Asia, while junior national squads from Portugal and Guernsey will be there to gain invaluable competitive golf experience.
The unique OWKG concept combines a serious golf tournament open to both genders and ages from seven upwards with a fun, family-friendly event. A casual parent/child tournament kicks off proceedings on Monday 25th July, before the first two tournament rounds, a rest day, and then the last day of competitive golf on Friday 29 July. The under 10 players will play only nine holes per day, and the younger golfers are also encouraged to let a parent caddy for them.
There are five age categories, and handicaps can range from positive numbers to 36 in the junior divisions. This means plenty of opportunity for any player to win gross or net prizes. Ultimate glory and the overall champion’s trophy will go to the player with the best gross total.

Cristiano Marcela

Last year Portuguese player Cristiano Marcela took that honour with a three-round score of 238, while Sara Gouveia’s 231 earned her the girls’ trophy. Oceânico Group Chairman Christopher Howell commented, “This tournament is such an exciting one for both us and our competitors. There’s nothing quite like it in the world of golf, where juniors can travel to a competitive international golf tournament that has real gravitas and a keen competitive element, while at the same time enjoying a family holiday in Portugal and getting their parents involved in the fun.” Tournament fees for the public are 230 for under 10s or 270 for other categories. And in keeping with the family holiday aspect of the event, on-site accommodation packages, that include tournament fees and golf for parents are also available. These start from €1130 for six nights. Oceânico World Kids Golf is just one of a number of exciting events to be staged at the Oceânico Golf facilities this year. These include the tenth anniversary edition of the European Tour’s Portugal Masters in October and the year-end Grande Trofeu Vilamoura for amateurs. For full details and to enter please visit, www.oceanicogolf.com/tournaments/oceanico-world-kids-golf/entryform.html