Bermuda will be the new stage for an international youth golf tournament next year, the tourism minister announced yesterday.

Zane DeSilva said the Bermuda Junior Championship would be held as a part of a four-year deal agreed between the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the American Junior Golf Association.

The minister also announced the start of Golf Week, which will offer families 30 per cent discounts for young golfers at all courses from next week.

The Bermuda Junior Championship, scheduled to be held from January 15 to 18, will be open to players from overseas and Bermuda who are aged between 12 and 18.

The first tournament will be held at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton.

Mr DeSilva said that the tournament was expected to generate about $1.4 million over the next four years.

He added that it could help foster a stronger interest in the sport among young Bermudians.

Hazel Clark, the director of sports business development at the BTA, said that the tournament was in line with the National Tourism Plan to attract more young people to the island through selected sports, including golf.

She added: “This event will complement the Bermuda Championship and underscores the plethora of possibilities available to the island through collaboration and innovation.

“Together we will continue to win and establish our position as a leading sports destination.”

Ms Clarke said that the sign-up options and requirements to enter would be announced later.

Golf Week, also organised by the BTA, will offer 30 per cent off green fees and 30 per cent off food and drinks for golfers 18 years and under.

The event will start next Monday and continue until the weekend.

Ms Clarke said: “Golf Week is a great opportunity to foster quality time on the course with family.

“The added incentive ... makes this an ideal time to head to the golf course with loved ones.

“We hope all parents will utilise this event to encourage their children under 18 to get out and play this healthy, natural social-distancing sport.”