ST ATHAN Golf Club junior Ralph O’Carroll has made it through to the UK and Ireland final of the American Golf Junior Championship after a closely fought qualifying competition at Cardiff Golf Club.

Ralph now progresses to take his place at Gainsborough Golf Club, home of golf giant Ping, to battle it out for the title of the best Junior golfer in the UK and Ireland.

Ralph won qualification in the Best Net Score category after a round of net 65 off a handicap of 20. The Vale of Glamorgan golfer will now join qualifiers from events all over the UK and Ireland in an effort to take the American Golf title in front of Sky Sports’ cameras.

Daniel Gathercole, director of marketing and communications at American Golf commented: “This is the third year for the Junior Championships and while the quality of golf on show gets better every year, it’s the sportsmanship and attitude of these young golfers that impresses me most. We’re excited to host these great young golfers for the final and, with the help of Ping, aim to make it a truly memorable event.”

Entry to all of the American Golf Championships, including the American Golf 9 Hole, Junior, Ladies and Senior Championships, is completely free and is part of the nationwide retailer’s drive to promote the game of golf and get more people out playing golf more often.