Junior Ryder Cup qualification process confirmed as Ballyneety and Adare prepare for event

Junior Ryder Cup 2027 flag raising ceremony with Junior Golfers Meghann Hayes, Junior Captain Darragh Doherty and Jessica Sutton holding the official flag on the 18th green. Pic: Kieran Ryan-Benson

The qualification process for the 2027 European Junior Ryder Cup team has been revealed by Ryder Cup Europe and the European Golf Association (EGA).

Six boys and six girls will look to regain the Junior Ryder Cup from the United States in Limerick from September 14-16, 2027.

The opening two days will be played at Ballyneety Golf Club before the all-important final day singles are held at Adare Manor on the eve of the Ryder Cup itself.

A statement from Ryder Cup Europe confirmed three boys and three girls will secure their place on the team through a season-long ranking system, organised by the EGA. The remaining six players will then be selected by captain Stephen Gallacher.

Players will earn points for the ranking based on their finishing position in selected elite amateur events in 2027, with each player’s five highest point scores counting towards their final total.

Boys and girls will have the chance to compete in up to ten tournaments in the lead up to the Junior Ryder Cup to score points, with The R&A Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championships marking the end of the qualification period on August 14, 2027.

“I would encourage these talented players to enter the elite amateur events and try to qualify" said Gallacher.

Junior Golfer Meghann Hayes, wrapped in the flag. Pic: Kieran Ryan-Benson

"After watching the team in New York and Rome, the boys and girls who make the team will enjoy a special opportunity and make lifetime memories.

“I am looking forward to getting to some events during the year and working with Europe’s brightest up-and-coming talent.”

Eligible players competing in the counting events will automatically be included in the rankings. Players are not required to sign up or play a minimum number of events to be considered.

To be eligible to participate in the 2027 Junior Ryder Cup players must:

- Be born on or after January 1, 2009 

- Be citizens of a European country, as defined by the International Golf Federation’s Nationality Policy, by no later than January 1, 2027

- Not represent a non-European Country in an international golf competition in 2027 

- Not be enrolled at, or committed to attend, a college in the USA during 2027 

Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy, Denmark’s Nicolai Højgaard and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts have all tasted victory at the Junior Ryder Cup before going on to help Europe win the Ryder Cup.

Ireland’s Leona Maguire represented Europe at the 2008 Junior Ryder Cup before going on to register 8 ½ points across three Solheim Cup appearances.