Esker Hills golfer to compete at ‘unofficial Major of junior golf'

A young Esker Hill Golf Club member will aim to make history in Portugal next week when she tees off at the 2025 Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship at Quinta do Lago.

Aged 16, Ella Cantwell is one of two Irish golfers who will compete over three rounds at the ‘unofficial Major of junior golf’ on the world-renowned resort's South Course from December 1-3.

Fota Island Golf Club member, John Doyle (18) will also fly the flag for Ireland at the event for rising stars aged from 12 to 18.

Ella has enjoyed a superb season on the junior golf circuit and will now have the chance to test their skills in one of the most prestigious events in the game.

Open to both boys and girls aged 18 or under on January 1, 2025, the juniors competed throughout the year for a coveted place in the final through a series of qualifying tournaments across the UK.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, the ‘unofficial Major of junior golf’ returns to Quinta do Lago for the ninth time in 11 years. Headline sponsor Justin Rose, a former winner himself, is part of an illustrious list of champions who began their careers at the event.

His Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, as well as Ladies European Tour stars Carly Booth, Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Melissa Reid and Lottie Woad, all made their mark at the Telegraph Junior Golf Championship before rising to the top of the professional game.