Explosive Launch and Distance-Driven Design Inspire Confidence and Fun

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COVINGTON, Ga. – Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, today introduced the new BOOM IT JUNIOR golf ball, which is aimed at young players who need a lower compression, easier-launching option for their developing swings and bodies.

Designed in conjunction with U.S. Kids Golf, the new BOOM IT JUNIOR golf ball features an extremely low compression core to better match junior swing speeds and a dimple design that promotes a high launch, maximizing carry distance and sustained flight performance. The BOOM IT JUNIOR works for a variety of clubhead speeds but is specifically aimed at maximizing performance for developing players by optimizing their developing swing speed and skill level.

“We take Ball Fitting very seriously and with junior golf seeing more than 50 percent growth since 2019, it makes perfect sense for us to create a ball to meet their needs,” said Bridgestone president Dan Murphy. “Our R&D team focused on the needs of junior players that require more speed and easier launch, and they knocked it out of the park. I am confident junior players will have more fun playing the BOOM IT JUNIOR because it is specifically designed to fit their game.”

BOOM IT JUNIOR was created in partnership with U.S. Kids Golf, which was founded in 1996 to bring more fun into the game of golf for children. The program trains coaches, develops kid-friendly programs and organizes more than 2,000 tournaments each year for junior golfers. A portion of the proceeds of each BOOM IT JUNIOR purchase benefits the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation.

“We’re proud of this ball and the fact that it addresses the needs of junior players to build a foundation of confidence in their game,” said Adam Rehberg, senior marketing manager of golf balls at Bridgestone Golf. “As the #1 Ball Fitter in Golf, we strive to not only design and manufacture the best golf balls on the market but also fit as many players as possible to the right golf ball for them. With BOOM IT JUNIOR, we can now serve an even wider segment of players, staying true to our commitment to fit every golfer properly.”

BOOM IT JUNIOR also features Bridgestone’s MindSet graphic, which was developed by Jason Day and performance coach Jason Goldsmith to work with a process that separates analytical thoughts from athletic performance. MindSet is a simple three-step sequence; Identify, Visualize and Focus, which aligns with the visual cue on the golf ball to help players make decisions, connect to the target and commit fully to execution. Learning the MindSet sequence early in one’s career will establish great habits for a lifetime of consistent golf. In 2026, Bridgestone staffers Jason Day, Chris Gotterup, Kurt Kitayama and Boo Weekly will all compete using TOUR B models with MindSet.

“We were proud to work alongside the Bridgestone team to help create BOOM IT JUNIOR from the ground up, specifically engineered to provide young golfers with the distance, feel, and performance they need to enjoy every round,” said Dan Van Horn, president and founder of U.S. Kids Golf. “BOOM IT JUNIOR is a golf ball that meets the mission of U.S. Kids Golf by supporting the growth of and a true love of the game.”

Look for the BOOM IT JUNIOR golf ball ($22.99/dozen) to be available online and at retail on March 27. To learn more about the BOOM IT golf ball or place an order, please visit bridgestonegolf.com.

About Bridgestone Golf

Based in Covington, GA, Bridgestone Golf USA manufactures premium golf balls, clubs and accessories under the Bridgestone and Precept brands. The company started making golf balls in 1935 and today has more golf ball design patents than any other company. Beginning in 2006, Bridgestone revolutionized golf ball selection with its custom ball-fitting program, identifying a golfer’s ideal golf ball based on personal swing characteristics. Today, as the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, Bridgestone has conducted over four million fittings via a combination of live-fitting, online selection, OTTO Autonomous Ball Fitting, and its V-FIT Video Ball Fitting.  The consumer data gathered from ball-fitting continues to inspire Bridgestone’s innovative new golf ball designs, yielding industry-leading performance products for the entire range of players, from recreational golfers to the best in the world. Bridgestone Golf is proudly represented on international professional tours by icons such as Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Matt Kuchar, Kurt Kitayama, Harry Hall, Jason Day, and Chris Gotterup.  Bridgestone Golf USA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bridgestone Sports Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo. More information:  bridgestonegolf.com.

Media Contact:

Emily Scott, JDPR, emilys@jdpr.com

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Close House will once again take centre stage in junior golf in 2026 as it hosts both a qualifying event and the grand final of the PING Junior Masters.

The award winning Northumberland club, recently recognised as Junior Golf Programme of the Year, continues its long standing commitment to creating meaningful competitive opportunities for aspiring golfers.

The 2026 series is set to eclipse previous years. It will feature nine qualifying events across seven counties before culminating in a full tour experience final on Close House’s Championship Colt Course on 27 October 2026.

Each qualifying event will be played off nett scores. This ensures accessibility and gives a broader range of junior golfers the opportunity to progress to the grand final.

From every venue, two boys and one girl from the Under 12, Under 15 and Under 18 categories will earn their place in the final. The result will be a diverse and inclusive field representing clubs nationwide.

Backed by PING Europe and Lee Westwood

Originally launched in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House, the PING Junior Masters has grown into one of the UK’s most exciting and accessible junior series.

Backed by PING Europe and supported by former Ryder Cup star and Close House Attached Tour Professional Lee Westwood, the event offers young golfers a taste of elite competition in a professional tournament setting.

“Since we launched the Junior Masters in 2017 alongside the British Masters at Close House the programme has gone from strength to strength,” said Westwood.

“I am immensely proud of how it has evolved, providing young golfers the chance to compete at some fantastic courses across the UK whilst gaining invaluable competitive experience. Congratulations PING and Close House for the award winning initiative.”

“The Junior Masters is a cornerstone of our junior pathway,” said Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Close House.

“It provides a competitive platform for talented young players while also supporting our wider grassroots initiatives. Our goal is not only to host great tournaments but to help create long term engagement with the sport.”

Dave Fanning, European Marketing Director at PING Europe, added: “The Junior Masters perfectly reflects what junior golf should be about, opportunity, development and enjoyment.

“We’re proud to support a series that continues to grow and create memorable experiences for young golfers.”

Grassroots impact beyond competition

Beyond competition, the initiative continues to have a significant community impact.

Through the Junior Masters programme, the Close House PGA Teaching Team delivers free coaching to more than 1,000 schoolchildren annually. The aim is to introduce golf to new audiences and strengthen the sport at grassroots level.

The PING Junior Masters Final will take place at Close House on 28 October 2026.

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