Rochester & Cobham Park Golf Club’s Justin Chenu is bidding to follow in the footsteps of some of the game’s greats at the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Open.
The 15-year-old is one of 24 youngsters aged between 12 and 18 competing at Quinta do Lago in Portugal between today (Monday) and Wednesday.
Justin Chenu, with Harewood Downs club captain George Restall (left) and Berks Bucks & Oxon Golf president David Cowap, enjoyed Douglas Johns Trophy glory earlier this year
Chenu, who cites Tiger Woods, Rose and Jon Rahm among his golfing heroes, is back at the course for another crack at one of the most prestigious junior events in the game – now in its 40th year – having taken part in 2024.
“I’m feeling quite confident,” he said. “I’ve been practising every day after school at my golf club. We go in the dark, we have torches to help us see the ball. Seeing as I went last year I have a bit of advantage, maybe.
“I’d say I could have done a bit better in some tournaments, I haven’t finished as strongly as I could have done but my game has been feeling good recently. I shot six under to get into the tournament.
“My game’s feeling good at my home course, but obviously I’ve got to do that at other courses as well to show I compete with others.”
Chenu has already emulated Rose this year by winning the Douglas Johns Trophy at the unofficial under-15 national championship and he thinks conditions at Quinta do Lago are favourable to his style.
“It is different grass around the greens so I’d say I’ll understand the grass a bit more so that’ll help my short game,” he said.
“It is pretty easy to putt on the greens because they are so pure and really fast. Off the tee is probably the strongest part of my game – especially right now – and my iron game.
“Off the tee you have to be so precise round there, which I feel will be an advantage for me.”
Rose – a former winner – 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.
He said: “It’s incredible to see the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship reach its 40th anniversary – a true milestone for an event that has shaped so many golfing journeys, including my own.
“Winning back in 1997 was a huge moment in my career and gave me the belief and experience to take the next step towards the professional game.
“I’m proud to continue supporting this championship and everything it stands for. My thanks go to Quinta do Lago for once again providing such an outstanding stage for the finals, and I’d like to wish the very best of luck to Justin.”
