Opening Golf to the World
Championships
'Your Golfing Hero' competition launched to inspire young people
11 May 26
5 mins
The R&A has announced the launch of the ‘Your Golfing Hero’ Competition, offering two lucky winners a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at both The Open and AIG Women’s Open.
One winner will get the chance to stand on the first tee of Royal Birkdale for the Heroes Classic, making its debut at The 154th Open and the other will have the opportunity to step inside the ropes at Royal Lytham & St Annes for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the 50th anniversary of the AIG Women’s Open. With The Open and the AIG Women’s Open taking place in the north-west of England this summer, The R&A is building on the momentum of its Road To The Opens initiative launched in March, which aims to engage more than 3,500 young people in the local area and encourage them to develop a lasting interest in the game and feel strong connection to the championships taking place on their doorstep. As part of the competition, The R&A is offering two young winners from the Lancashire, Birkdale and Southport areas an unforgettable experience at both championships, bringing them closer to the heart of the action. The competition is designed to highlight local heroes and engage the community while providing a unique opportunity to experience The Open or the AIG Women’s Open. Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, Chief Championships Officer at The R&A said, “We’re really pleased to be launching the ‘Your Golfing Hero’ Competition, it’s a chance for the local community to get involved and highlight the people that make golf so special. “With the Heroes Classic taking place at The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale for the first time and the AIG Women’s Open marking its 50th anniversary – celebrating its pioneers and future stars – it makes it a particularly special occasion to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience to young people from the local area. We’re really looking forward to hearing the stories of the coaches, family members and friends who’ve played such a big part in people’s golfing journeys.”
Your Golfing Heroes provides the opportunity to step inside the ropes at the AIG Women's Open.
The ‘Your Golfing Hero’ Competition encourages participants to nominate their personal “golfing hero” by submitting either a short video or written nomination, sharing the story of an individual who has directly impacted their love of golf and inspired their golf journey.
Nominations should focus on personal heroes such as friends, family members, local club members or coaches.
The competition is open to individuals under 18 years old who are resident in Lancashire, Birkdale or Southport. Parents or guardians must enter on behalf of a child under the age of 18, provided that all submissions are created by, or in collaboration with, the child.
Entries must be submitted via The R&A’s official nomination forms by 12 June 2026 at 12:00pm BST.
All entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges from The R&A, England Golf and The Golf Foundation.
On Tuesday 14 July the Heroes Classic will bring together some of golf’s most celebrated figures alongside stars from sport and entertainment, celebrating the individuals who inspire others to take up the game and reinforcing the idea that anyone can be a hero in golf.