BJGT 2024 Tour Policy

Explaining all you need to know about playing on the British Junior Golf Tour in 2024.

You don’t have to have a handicap in the younger age divisions (6 & Under, 7-8, 9-10), but you need to satisfy certain scoring criteria (see below).
You don’t have to be a member of a golf club.
You don’t have to be a member of the BJGT, although there are benefits associated with membership.
What is essential, you must ENJOY GOLF!

Age-group and handicap-qualifying events.

Age and distance-related divisions:

6/Under (Blue tee) – 9 holes – Gross – 1500 yards (Must be able to play to no more than 18 over for 9 holes off Blue Tees, see table below)*

If a player plays 15 shots over par for 9 holes on three consecutive occasions, the BJGT reserves the right to remove them from future events.

7-8 (Black tee) – 9 holes – Gross – 2000 yards
Boys & Girls will play a combined event, unless sufficient entries are received to have separate events.
Age-related tees on shortened course (6 & Under and 7-8). (Must be able to play to no more than 18 over for 9 holes off Black Tees, see table below)*

If a player plays 15 shots over par for 9 holes on three consecutive occasions, the BJGT reserves the right to remove them from future events.

9-10 (Red tee) – 9 holes – Gross
Boys & Girls will play a combined event, unless sufficient entries are received to have separate events.
Handicap Qualifier if Course is Rated. (Must be able to play to no more than 18 over for 9 holes off Red Tees, or have a handicap 36 or below)*
If a player in this category does not have a CONGU handicap, they can use the cards from the BJGT events and obtain one.

If a player plays 12 shots over par for 9 holes on three consecutive occasions, the BJGT reserves the right to remove them from future events.

11-12 (Red tee) – 18 holes – Gross
All official CONGU Handicaps (Maximum handicaps 24) – 18 holesGross
Boys & Girls will play a combined event, unless sufficient entries are received to have separate events.
Handicap Qualifier if Course is Rated

If a player plays 8 shots or more above their handicap on three consecutive occasions, the BJGT reserves the right to remove them from future events.

13-14 (Boys Yellow(white for 54 hole events)/Girls Red tee) – 18 holes – Gross
All official CONGU Handicaps (Maximum handicaps 14) – 18 holesGross
Boys & Girls will play a combined event, unless sufficient entries are received to have separate events.

If a player plays 8 shots or more above their handicap on three consecutive occasions, the BJGT reserves the right to remove them from future events.

15-18 (Boys White/Girls Red tee) – 18 holes – Gross
All official CONGU Handicaps (Maximum handicaps 8) – 18 holesGross
Boys & Girls will play a combined event, unless sufficient entries are received to have separate events.

If a player plays 8 shots or more above their handicap on three consecutive occasions, the BJGT reserves the right to remove them from future events.

Age Qualifying Date: 24th June 2024

Born between   25th June 2005 – 24th June 2009 – (Enter 15 – 18)

Born between   25th June 2009 – 24th June 2011 – (Enter 13 -14)

Born between   25th June 2011 – 24th June 2013 – (Enter 11 – 12)

Born between   25th June 2013 – 24th June 2015 – (Enter 9 – 10)

Born between   25th June 2015 – 24th June 2017 – (Enter 7 – 8)

Born between   25th June 2017 – Onwards – (Enter 6/Under)

Competition Levels

2024 (Gross Scoring Only) Categories

6/Under Boys Gross – Blue Tee, 1500 Yards, 9 Holes

6/Under Girls Gross – Blue Tee, 1500 Yards, 9 Holes

7-8 Boys Gross – Black Tee, 2000 Yards, 9 Holes

7-8 Girls Gross – Black Tee, 2000 Yards, 9 Holes

9-10 Boys Gross – Red Tee, 9 Holes

9-10 Girls Gross – Red Tee, 9 Holes

11-12 Boys Gross – Red Tee Junior Open – 18 Holes

11-12 Girls Gross – Red Tee Junior Open – 18 Holes

13-14 Boys Gross – Yellow Tee Junior Open – 18 Holes

13-14 Girls Gross – Red Tee Junior Open – 18 Holes

15-18 Boys Gross – White Tee Junior Open – 18 Holes

15-18 Girls Gross – Red Tee Junior Open – 18 Holes

 

The British Junior Golf Tour has made the decision to discontinue the use of net scoring in the older age categories in its tournaments and move exclusively to gross scoring, as in the younger categories, for several compelling reasons:
 
Consistency through all divisions:
We’ve always said that junior golf should be about playing distances that allow players to aim at level par, whether they be 6 or 16, which generally goes against the existing system in the UK.
Therefore, players growing up through the BJGT are aiming at just that every time they play, no matter their age, which is why so many go on to play at very high levels.
We now have separate age groups for players aged 6 to 18, all playing from different distances, all aiming at shooting level par, or better.
 
Competitive Development: 
We think the main motivation for players should be aiming to beat their peer group on a level playing field, rather than deducting a certain amount of shots.
This change encourages junior golfers to improve their game and strive for better performance without relying on handicap adjustments, ultimately preparing them for more competitive levels of golf.
The 2023 season saw players go under par with their gross score in every age group, which shows the system really is working and has done for many years.
Players growing up on the BJGT are aiming at doing just that every time they play, which is why so many go on to play at very high levels.
 
Scoring Systems:
The majority of junior events in this country will be run as Net or Stableford competitions and we’ve seen a lot of other junior tours/events pop up who offer opportunities for players to cut their teeth in competition, which is fantastic, but we felt the time was right to differentiate ourselves.
Given the professionalism we look to offer at our events to set ourselves apart, the gross only results will add to this feeling for the players.
 
Overall, the shift to solely gross scoring by the British Junior Golf Tour represents a commitment to the development of junior golfers, aligning the organisation with professional standards while simplifying tournament operations.
Right from the beginning in 2005, the BJGT has always attracted some of the best juniors from all over the country, so we are striving to become a viable pathway for those serious golfers looking right through to further education within golf.
 
This decision aims to provide a more competitive and rewarding experience for young golfers on the BJGT.

Approximate Yardages for younger age categories (9 Holes)

Boys & Girls

Par 3

Par 4

Par 5

Total (9 Holes)

6/Under Blue Tee

60-90

120-180

180-250

1500

7-8 Black Tee

80-140

170-250

250-340

2000

Event Entry

Entry into the Major events will be different in 2024, they will no longer be on a ‘first-come’ basis.
The Classic Events leading up to a Major will act as qualifiers.
Players can guarantee their place in the Majors by finishing in the Top 3 of their division in a Classic.
Major places will be offered down the field should qualified players finish in the Top 3 in more than one Classic.
Any places remaining in the Major, once all Classics have taken place, will be opened up to those registered on the Waiting List.

 

Age Qualifying Date: 24th June 2024

Two main reasons for this date: it minimizes changes for the Junior World Championships age groups, which is a couple of weeks later, and the other is that players will only play a maximum of half the season in the ‘wrong’ age group.

There are a couple of exceptions (e.g. Junior World Championships qualifiers, the European Open and the WJGC), but any changes will be specified on the individual event page.

As a member of the BJGT, you will receive a membership entry code that will give you 10% discount for every standard and Major event entered. If you choose to become a member of the BJGT, you must purchase membership first, then use the code provided via email to enter events.

Entering a BJGT tournament couldn’t be easier: just login to the BlueGolf app and follow the instructions.

BlueGolf’s Junior Golf App enable golfers to join our program and sign up for tournaments. Fans can view Schedules and tournament details, follow leaderboards, monitor points standings and much more.

A player may request to move up an age division, however this will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
We believe in players moving up through the age divisions, and therefore distances, in order for them to progress, improve, and enjoy playing against their peer group where possible.
Previous results on the BJGT will be taken into account, with consistently high placed finishes, or a Top 4 finish on the Order of Merit, would be the minimum requirement, as well as handicap index where applicable.
We will also look at whether we feel players will be better off from a competitive point of view in the higher age group, and if we feel it would be of more benefit for them to play against older players, will will allow the move.

Tee Time

It is the responsibility of the player to know his or her own tee time.
All tee times and groupings are subject to change and you must check again before travelling.

Arriving at the event
Registration opens 1 hour before the first tee time. At the venue, look for our BJGT registration desk and make yourself known to the Event Secretary.
Once you have signed in, you will receive your scorecard and confirmation of your tee time and groupings.

You must be at the first tee 10 minutes prior to your tee time.
Late arrival to the tee may result in two stroke penalty or disqualification.
The Event starter will announce on the tee each player’s name before he or she tees off.
It is acceptable to applaud and give a warm welcome to every player.
All players must walk unless there has been a prior agreement with tournament organisers1

Prizes

Trophies will be awarded in each division at every competition, depending on the following conditions:

Ten or more players – Top three.

Between five and nine players – Top two.

Four or fewer players – Winner only.

If an age category has 3 or more girls playing, the girls will have their own trophies.

Girls will play for separate trophies at events where there are 3 or more in any division. Order of Merit points, however, will be awarded depending on the overall position as a mixed competition.

 

Junior World Championships Qualifier:
Top two.

In the event of a tie, the winner and runner-up places at the Junior World Championships Qualifiers will be decided by a sudden death play-off.  Places to the IMGA will be offered to the top two in each category, however, if fewer than 9 boys, or 6 girls are playing, then only one place will be offered (subject to scoring requirements).

Spot prizes may also be on offer at certain events.
The presentation at each event will take place after play in each division has finished, except for the Tour Championship, where there will be a single presentation once all play has concluded.

This is an important part of every event, since it allows players and families to socialise and is an excellent opportunity to interact with other players. Hence we always encourage players to stay for the presentation.

Tournament Field

The field may be limited at certain events, depending on tee time or light restrictions.
Places will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, with a waiting list in operation once full.  Members of the BJGT will have priority on the reserve list.

Entries to the IMGA Junior World Championships Qualifiers may be via a ballot.

Tee Times

Tee times will be on the website at least 1 week before the event, but these times may change a little up to the evening before an event.

Order of Merit

The 2024 British Junior Golf Tour Order of Merit will run from the first event in March, through to the Tour Championship in October.

Points will be awarded at each event listed on the BJGT schedule, up to, and including The Players Championship (excluding the IMG Academy Junior World Championship Qualifiers).

The 2024 Order of Merit will be a ‘best of’ series, which will take players’ top 8 results across the season; however, you do not need to play in 8 events to appear in the Order of Merit, but must play in a minimum of 3 events.

Qualification for the Tour Championship will be based on a player’s position on the Order of Merit following the final tour event.  The number of players making it through to the TC will depend on total players in a category throughout the year.

6 &Under

Top 9

7-8

Top 9

9-10

Top 9

11-12

Top 9

13-14

Top 9

15-18

Top 9

Classic Event points:

Points will be awarded to the Top 10 players in each event.

Major Event points:

The British JGT Open, The British JGT Masters and The BJGT Players Championship will again be on the schedule. These events will carry extra Order of Merit Points, meaning they will play a big part in determining the overall champions next October.

There will also be some amazing glassware on offer for the podium places in all divisions, as well as the honour of being a BJGT Major Champion.

Special Scoring Events:

The 2/3-day events will carry additional Order of Merit points.

The WJGC and European Open will carry additional points.

We have decided to include the WJGC and European Open in the 2024 Points Table .
These events will be the two biggest of the year and we feel that players who do well in our international competitions deserve the recognition on their points total for the season.
Points will be awarded to the players relating to their finishing position, regardless of whether their division alters slightly for these events. The points will be added to their season total in their 2024 BJGT Division.

Appearance points will not be awarded this season, the points table is below that shows the point scoring positions.

Position

1 Day/Classic

Major & 2/3 Day Events

European Open

WJGC

1st

200300

400

 500

2nd175250

 300

 400

3rd150200

 200

 300

4th

125175

175

 250

5th

100150

 150

 200

6th

75125

 125

 150

7th

50100

 100

 100

8th

2575

 75

75

9th

1550

 50

 50

10th

525

 25

 25

The 2024 season will see the BJGT introduce a number of 54 hole events that will carry both WAGR and BJGT Order of Merit points.

These will take place over either 2 days, with either two rounds on Day 1 followed by 18 holes on Day 2 or a single round on Day 1 followed by two rounds on Day 2 or over three days with 18 holes each day.

The World Junior Golf Championship and the European Open will be full 54 hole events, with all players playing all 3 rounds.

The remaining events in the UK will have a cut after 36 holes to the Top 50% and ties in both the 13-14 and 15-18 age divisions.

In order to compete for WAGR points the 13-14 Division will play from White Tees at these events, with the overall results being used.

The two divisions will remain separate for the BJGT OOM result, with points being awarded after the final round according to the table above.

Tour Championship Points Format – FedEx Cup Style

The Tour Championship will run differently this year, using the format introduced by the Fed-Ex Cup on the PGA Tour.

This event will ultimately decide the overall winner of each Order of Merit, and therefore the Tour Champion, so we’re sure this will add to the tension, atmosphere and drama on the final day!

 

Players will start on the following scores relating to their place on the Order of Merit after the final qualifying event of the season.

Order of Merit Leader starts on -8

Second Place -7

Third -6

Fourth -5

Fifth -4

Sixth -3

Seventh -2

Eighth -1

Ninth – Level Par

Tour Champion:
The 2024 BJGT Tour Champion of each division will be decided on the final results at the Tour Championship, ties will be decided via a play-off

Pace of Play

This is a very important aspect of the game and one that we are constantly monitoring at events!

9 holes should take no longer then 2 – 2 1/4 hours and 18 holes no longer than 4 – 4 1/2 hours.

It is a requirement that all groups keep pace with the preceding group, NOT just keep ahead of the group behind!
‘Play-ready golf’ – be prepared to play before it’s your turn, walk between shots at a good pace, leave the green once you have finished a hole and mark your card on the next tee.

For players with a seat on their trolley, they must not be seated whilst the trolley is moving.

Unless there is a mitigating circumstance, i.e. a ruling is required (in which case the group behind should be called through), slow play will be monitored and penalised in the usual way. If a group does not finish within 15 minutes of the group in front, a penalty of 2 strokes will be added to all players in the group.

Things to know on the day

Registration opens around 1-1.30 hours before the first tee time. At the venue, look out for our BJGT registration desk and make yourself known to the Event Secretary or BJGT Director.
Once you have signed in, you will receive your scorecard and confirmation of your tee time and groupings.

As a general guideline, it is advisable to arrive around 1-1.30 hours before your scheduled tee time; this will allow you to complete necessary preparations and warm-up routines, which are crucial for performing your best on the golf course. Here are a few reasons why arriving early is beneficial:

  1. Registration and Check-In: Arriving early ensures that you have enough time to register, check in with the BJGT team, and obtain any necessary tournament-related materials or information. This helps you avoid any last-minute rush or potential delays.
  2. Warm-Up and Practice: Adequate warm-up time is essential to get your body loosened up and ready for the round. Arriving early allows you to spend time at the practice range, putting green, and chipping area, enabling you to groove your swing, find your rhythm, and get comfortable with the conditions of the course.
  3. Mental Preparation: Having some extra time before your tee time gives you a chance to mentally prepare yourself. You can visualise your shots, review your game plan, and get into the right mindset for the competition.

Electronic Measuring Devices

Distance only devices, GPS or rangefinders, are permitted for all players; slope measuring devices are not allowed.

Tournament Withdrawals

This should be done via the BlueGolf App

Cancellation policy – tournament fee:
0-14 days prior to the event – no refund
15-30 days prior to the event – 50% refund
31+ days prior to the event – £5 admin fee
Refunds will be processed at the end of each month.

The standard cancellation policy does not apply to certain events, so please read the individual cancellation details shown on each event page.

Should a player not turn up to an event, without prior notice, a warning will be issued.
If this happens on a second occasion, they will be banned from the next BJGT event entered or for 1 calendar month, depending on the schedule.

Event Cancellation

The British Junior Golf Tour always endeavours to run all tournaments as advertised; however, in the event of any competition being cancelled by the BJGT or the hosting venue due to reasons outside our or their control (e.g. weather, COVID-19), the website will be updated immediately; registered players will receive email notification – if refunds need to be issued (minus any cancellation fee applicable), you will be automatically refunded via the blue golf app.

We will always try to reschedule the event and transfer the entries. We strongly recommend that all players purchase golf insurance to cover entry fees, accommodation and travel.

If an event is cancelled due to insufficient entries, the BJGT will refund the full entry fee, minus the BlueGolf fee of £1.17

Caddie Policy

We firmly believe that players should be permitted assistance during a competition, therefore juniors are allowed one caddie to help them on the course. However, this cannot be to the detriment of enjoyment, fairness, or pace of play on the day.

Policy Amendment: Caddies MAY NOT spend more than a few seconds discussing shots with their player, if required. If needed, caddies may give them the yardage and/or direction of shot, and suggest a club, but that is it.  This advice, along with the shot, should take no more than 40 seconds, as per the rules of golf.  Caddies may pull or carry the bag, clean clubs, and rake bunkers.
Players are learning at our events and should be left to learn for themselves, endless discussions do not help in the long run.

Caddies are there to help with pace of play rather than delay play.

  • Coaching, in any form, is NOT permitted; leave this for the range.
  • Caddies must NOT line up a player! Lining up is not permitted (rule 10.2b).
  • NO assistance may be given on the green and caddies must stay off the green at all times.
  • Caddies should not be critical but instead provide encouragement and stay positive – this is your main objective!

Failure to adhere to these rules will result in the player being penalised.

Juniors in their nature want to get on with the game, so please let them, they will learn from their mistakes, and you will face less of the blame if decisions are left to them!

Academy Rules

Academy Rules
6&Under and 7-8 age groups have the following ‘Academy Rules‘; these are designed to keep the game fun, to stop younger players becoming demoralised and keep play moving:

  • Maximum of 4 shots over the par of the hole (eg. 8 on a Par 4), players should pick up their ball after this number of shots.
  • After 3 failed shots to escape a bunker, players may take a free drop to the side of the hazard, only counting the 3 failed shots.
  • All water hazards are considered ‘Lateral’, so take a penalty drop to the side of the hazard where possible, but should a stream cross the hole, a drop may be taken on the other side of the hazard (meaning players don’t have to hit over the water a second time).
  • Out of Bounds is considered a ‘Lateral Hazard’, so drop a ball back in play 2 club lengths from where the original shot crossed the boundary, with a 1-shot penalty.
  • Air shots DO count.
  • ON THE GREENS
    Do’s and Don’ts on the greens…1. Caddies can tend, remove & replace the flag (if required).
    2. Caddies can only give basic green reading advice (eg. this putt is uphill, downhill, left or right).
    3. Caddies can mark the ball but players MUST replace their own ball.
    4. Caddies may NOT line up the ball or player after the ball has been put down on the green by the player.2-shot penalty for each breach.
    This is a junior golf competition, not a competition between parents.
    Practice, assistance and instruction should be confined to the practice green, once in competition just let them play.

    These rules are designed to help them become independent which really does help as they get older!

  • Do’s and Don’ts in PENALTY AREAS (bunkers)…1. Players should try and not ground their club behind the ball.
    (however, if this is accidental and the swing is subsequently taken, no penalty incurred, they are not trying to gain an advantage)
    2. Practice swings are not permitted where the sand is touched.
    3. A practice swing in the bunker where the sand is disturbed will be considered one of the three failed shots.
    4. After 3 failed shots the free drop to the side is still applicable.
    5. Caddies may not go into the bunkers unless raking them after a shot.

    Practice, assistance and instruction should be confined to the practice area, however, caddies may obviously remind players of these rules.

    These rules are designed to help them become independent which really does help as they get older!

Spectators

All spectators should stay off fairways, tees and greens and walk in front of the group they are watching; this way, you won’t be causing a delay to the group behind or in any danger of being hit.

Photography and Videography

There will be an event photographer/videographer at all BJGT competitions, plus a media photographer/videographer at some events.
As a standard condition of entry, photos and videos may be used by British Junior Golf Tour for all promotional purposes. This includes website, newsletters, newspaper publications and social media.
If you don’t wish for photos or videos to be taken or used, please inform us via email at the time of entry.
Photos will be available to purchase after the event for a fee 0f £5.00, or £2.50 to members.

Accident and Injuries

Competitors play at their own risk. Spectators and caddies also walk the course at their own risk.
BJGT takes no responsibility for any accidents or injuries that happen at any of the events.
We do recommend that all players have golf insurance, covering personal and 3rd parties.

Code of Conduct

The British Junior Golf Tour runs high quality, professional, and fun competitions for all junior players.
Players and parents must abide by the Rules of Golf and maintain good golfing etiquette both on and off the course.

VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Unsportsman-like conduct, including abusive language, club throwing, disrespect to volunteers, officials or fellow competitors.
Deliberate miss-counting of shots.
Any abusive behaviour to any other persons and property at the Golf Club.
Any breach of these rules may cause a ban from attending future BJGT events, and persons guilty of improper conduct at any competition will be asked to leave.
In the event of any unresolved issues, parents should speak, in private, to the BJGT Directors at an agreed time and not in front of children.
BJGT officials decisions are final.