The very successful Irish Junior Open is expanding across Ireland.

The tournament, launched in 2014, is now the largest junior golf event in the UK and Ireland and with the additional events it is destined to become the premier junior golf Series in Europe. 

Speaking at the official announcement of the new ‘Applegreen LowFuelcard Irish Junior Open Series’ event creator and PGA professional Michael Gallagher said: “Having seen how popular the Irish Junior Open had become I was left with no option but to increase the events from one to five. 

“My long-term plan was always to develop a professionally run series for our future stars to compete in. There was so much interest in last year’s event that I felt the time was right to form the new series which will feature provincial events right across Ireland.

“I am delighted to have so many generous sponsors come on board and the competitors can expect top quality prizes and goody bags worth over £30,000, not to mention, playing on golf courses which are home to stars such as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.

“Thanks to TJ Hamilton Volkswagen they will also have the chance to win a brand new car for a hole in one at the final event (at Killymoon GC) in what will be a world first for a junior golf series. 

"Finally I am also delighted to be able to support the Cash for Kids charity which does so much amazing work for under privileged children in our country.”

The Irish Junior Open Series has received some strong endorsements from many stars including Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose, Shane Warne, Paul O’Connell and Ronan Keating.

Applegreen LowFuelcard General Manager, Paul Pardy, is pleased to be supporting a series focused on young players.

He said: “We are currently expanding our network of fuel forecourts across the UK and Ireland along with the USA, and like the Irish Junior Open Series our aim is to develop long lasting relationships.

"Finally I wish all the competitors taking part the very best of luck and for anyone interested in a LowFuelcard the application process is very simple and can be done by visiting LowFuelcard.ie.”

The Irish Junior Open Series will feature Championship age categories between the ages of 6 and 18.

Competitors can enter as many or as few events as they wish, with the overall Series winner collecting the impressive Champion Golfer of the Year trophy and £500 worth of prizes.

Online entries and information for these events are now available through www.mgprogolf.com.

Early booking is advisable with places already starting to fill up.

2016 Irish Junior Open Series dates and venues

• Ulster Championship at Holywood: Monday, 18 July
• Connacht Championship at Ballinrobe: Monday. 1 August
• Leinster Championship at Esker Hills: Wednesday, 3 August
• Munster Championship at Dundrum: Monday, 15 August
• Irish Junior Open Championship Final, Killymoon: Monday 22 - Wednesday 24 August.