RECORD numbers were set to take on the 2026 Peter McEvoy Trophy at Solihull’s Copt Heath Golf Club.
The 45th edition of the event took place on Wednesday (April 15) and Thursday and saw players tee off at the Knowle club – marking the highest level of demand in the tournament’s four decade-long history.
The event has built a strong reputation for attracting leading young players and past winners and competitors include Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Tommy Fleetwood, Marco Penge and 2019 champion Tom McKibbin.
Played annually at Copt Heath since 1981, the Peter McEvoy Trophy is a 72-hole scratch stroke play competition for boys under 18.
After attracting 118 entries in 2024 and 112 in 2025, the 2026 figure is now setting a new high. The increase reflects the tournament’s standing within junior golf and its continued ability to attract a strong field.
Among the event’s former winners is McKibbin, who claimed the title in 2019 before progressing into the professional game.
McKibbin won the Porsche European Open in 2023 and added a second professional title at the 2025 Link Hong Kong Open, a result which secured his place in the 2026 Masters and The Open.
Speaking to event sponsors Champions (UK) plc, McKibbin said: “The Peter McEvoy Trophy meant a lot to me as an amateur and it’s an event I look back on with really good memories. Playing against such a strong field at Copt Heath was a great test and definitely helped shape my mindset and belief in my game.
“It’s great to see how the tournament continues to give young players a chance to showcase their talent.”
This year’s event also follows the death of founder and namesake Peter McEvoy OBE, who passed away last April, shortly before last year’s competition.
McEvoy was one of the most distinguished figures in British and Irish amateur golf, winning The Amateur Championship in 1977 and 1978 and becoming the first British amateur to make the cut at the Masters in 1978.
He remained closely associated with Copt Heath throughout his life.
