December 29 — 31, 2025

Donald Ross Junior Championship

The Donald Ross Junior Championship was established in 1947 as a memorial to famed Scottish golf course architect Donald Ross. Every December, more than 200 juniors come to Pinehurst to compete for this coveted title. Following the event there is an additional Parent/Child Tournament for the contestants across all three age divisions.

Online applications will be available here starting October 1, 2025, at 10am ET.

Applications close November 10, 2025, at 3pm ET.

The finalized field will be sent by November 17, 2025.

FEES
$375
$250 – Parent/Child Team

Championship Registration will be held on December 28, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Donald Ross Room of the Pinehurst Resort Club. All contestants must register in person during this time. Failure to register or notify the Tournament Office of late arrival by 5 p.m. on December 28, may result in disqualification.

Official Practice Rounds:

All accepted players will be sent a link on December 8th with instructions on how to book practice rounds online. Please DO NOT call the resort to book your official practice round. Boys 15-18: you may choose to play ONE practice round on either No. 5 or No. 8.

One complimentary practice round is guaranteed to each player.

 

Unofficial/Additional Practice Round Information (all unofficial practice rounds are based on availability and not guaranteed):

For Those Staying at Pinehurst Resort – To play an additional round on No. 2, No. 4, No. 8, or No. 10 on any day that is NOT the official practice round day (December 28th) you must have a reservation at a resort property, and they are based upon availability and not guaranteed.  The rates for No. 2: $275, No. 4: $150, No. 10: $225. Courses No. 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 may be played for $65 per player and may be booked with the social sales department at the same time you are making your reservation. For more information, please call 1-800-487-4653.

For Those NOT Staying at Pinehurst Resort – To play an additional round on No. 1, No. 3, or No. 5 on any day that is NOT the official practice round day (December 28th), call the Pinehurst Golf Shop at 910-235-8141 (opt 4) the day before you wish to play. The rate is $65 per player.

Contestants/families will need to make their own room reservations.

Players and families of players may reserve a room at Pinehurst Resort during the week of the Championship (December 26-December 31) starting at a rate of $299 per room, per night, plus resort fees and taxes. A one night deposit is required & is fully refundable up to 30 days prior to arrival. Please mention ‘Donald Ross Jr.’ when you call to reserve your stay.

For more information please call Reservation Sales at 800-487-4653.

The Parent/Child tournament will be played December 31st, on Pinehurst No. 2 & No. 4. The USGA Rules of Golf will govern play. The format is alternate shot with selected drive (Chapman Format). Age groups will be the same as the Donald Ross Junior Championship. Players must play in the Championship to be eligible to participate in the Parent/Child Tournament. The fee for the junior player is included in the Donald Ross Junior entry fee. The parent’s entry fee is $250, which includes a cart, lunch, and use of the range. Carts are mandatory for the Parent/Child Tournament. Please note that handicaps are not applicable for this event. Everyone will play from scratch. A minimum of three professional/child teams in any age group will constitute a separate professional division. Practice rounds are NOT included for those participating in the Parent/Child Tournament.

Rules for Play: The Championship Rounds shall be played in accordance with the USGA Rules of Golf effective 2023 and the Local Rules as defined by the 78th Donald Ross Junior Championship Committee. Unbecoming conduct by a player may result in disqualification.

Carts/Caddies: Carts are prohibited during play. Caddies are ONLY permitted for the 11 & Under Divisions. Caddies in these divisions can take a spectator cart, but the cart must remain on the path and players may NOT ride in the cart. Contestants in the 12-14 division and the 15-18 division are required to walk. Pull/Push carts are permitted for all age divisions and all courses.

For the Parent/Child Event, carts will be provided, and the driver must have a valid driver’s license.

*Spectator carts will be permitted during play and are offered for a daily fee of $50 (inclusive), based on availability.

Dress Code: Pinehurst Resort and The Donald Ross Junior Championship Committee, require that collared shirts be worn at all times during the event, including practice rounds, Championship rounds, and the Parent/Child competition.

Range Usage: Practice balls will be complimentary prior to and following Practice Rounds and Championship Rounds.

All completely executed applications must be RECEIVED no later than 3pm ET on November 10, 2025. No entries will be accepted incomplete or after the deadline. Submission/receipt of an application does not guarantee acceptance. Once the final field is determined, confirmations or alternate status will be sent to applicants via email. The total number of players for all girls’ divisions combined will be 72. Each of the boys’ divisions will have a maximum number of players allowed:

Boys 11 & Under Division: 35 players
Boys 12 to 14 Division: 88 players
Boys 15 to 18 Division: 176 players

Any player withdrawing prior to the close of entries (November 10) will receive a full refund. Cancellations made after the closing date, but before December 20, 2025, will receive a refund less a $30 processing fee. Cancellations after December 20, 2025, will not receive a refund except in cases of extenuating circumstances, which will be handled on a case-by-case basis. All refunds are at the discretion of the Championship Committee.

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