The Junior Open Championship is a biennial event, to which all golfing nations affiliated to The R&A are invited to enter their best under-16 boy and girl golfers.

In 2016, 80 countries were represented in the starting field of 143 competitors[1] contrasting with 2002 when a total of 86 boys and girls from 58 countries took part.

[2] Boys and girls compete in the same event but play off different tees.

All competitors are invited to attend The Open after the conclusion of their own event.

[3] Future 2018 Masters Tournament winner Patrick Reed won this championship in 2006, Jordan Spieth was runner-up in 2008.