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 7, 2026, at 9am ET.

Applications close November 16, 2026, at 8pm ET.

The finalized field will be sent by November 18, 2026.

FEES –
$375
$250 – Parent/Child Team

ACCEPTANCE

All completely executed applications must be RECEIVED no later than 8pm ET on November 16, 2026. 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: 90 players
Boys 15 to 18 Division: 180 players

WITHDRAWALS

Any player withdrawing prior to the close of entries (November 16) will receive a full refund. Cancellations made after the closing date, but before December 22, 2026, will receive a refund less a $30 processing fee. Cancellations after December 22, 2026, 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.

CONDITIONS

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 79th 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.

*Spectators may rent a golf cart for $50 per round based on availability and must meet one of the criteria: over 50 years old, disabled (with proof of disability), pregnant, or with a child younger than 5 years old.

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.

ELIGIBILITY

Non-Exempt Players: Those who do not meet the below exemptions, please register as a non-exempt player. You will be asked to upload a player resume which will help determine the field. We strongly suggest you attach a resume. Please do not pay when registering.

Championship Registration will be held on December 27, 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 27 may result in disqualification.

To Be Announced.

The Parent/Child tournament will be played December 31^st, 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.

The Pinehurst Tournament Office and Championship Committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions, provisions, and/or schedules herein. The decision of the Pinehurst Tournament Office and Championship Committee in any matter will be final.

The Pinehurst Tournament Office and Championship Committee reserves the right to alter any of the conditions, provisions, and/or schedules herein. The decision of the Pinehurst Tournament Office and Championship Committee in any matter will be final.

Any player withdrawing prior to the close of entries (November 16) will receive a full refund. Cancellations made after the closing date, but on or before December 22, 2026, will receive a refund less a $30 processing fee. Cancellations after December 22, 2026, 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.

To withdraw, please CLICK HERE.