Young golfers from East Lothian and across Scotland were given a rare treat yesterday with a surprise visit of the Genesis Scottish Open official trophy in North Berwick.

The 2024 Genesis Scottish Open kicked-off on Thursday with tens of thousands of spectators expected to make their way to the Renaissance Club this weekend.

While the professionals like Rory McIIroy, the man who lifted the trophy last year were teeing off, boys and girls of the GolfSixes league from North Berwick West Links and Musselburgh Old Course got to see the very same trophy up close and personal after their tournament.

Katy McNicol, a PGA Pro at North Berwick Golf Club, said: "It's such a special trophy anyway, and I think, you know, to have it on our doorsteps - it's amazing. And I think [it will] inspire the next generation to want to compete and potentially, you know, be there one day."

The GolfSixes league saw seven junior teams tee up at The Wee Course at North Berwick Golf Club on the West Links with five teams represented from outside of East Lothian.

They all posed for a picture with the cup, which will be presented to the winner of the Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday.

Robbie Clyde, CEO of Scottish Golf, said: “Since 2019, GolfSixes League in Scotland has offered young people a supportive and social playing environment, helping them to stay in the game by providing fun, competitive fixtures, which complement coaching programmes.

“In recognition of the valuable role that the programme plays in junior golfer retention and development, Scottish Golf continues to provide robust funding for GolfSixes League, thereby keeping it free for all participants.

“In 2023, GolfSixes League saw an 11.8 per cent  increase in the number of participants from 2022, and in 2024 we are seeing more and more clubs fielding girls as well as boys.

“Our GolfSixes League programme has 141 teams taking part across Scotland this season.

"Today’s event is aimed at those who may take part over the coming years. So, it is fantastic to not only have the official Genesis Scottish Open trophy during our morning event at the Wee Course, but to be able to give these young golfers the opportunity of seeing the professional golfers in action later this afternoon at the Championship itself. Junior golfers are the future of our sport.

"Which is why it’s vital for young people to have positive role models in golf, and we hope that this day on the East Coast fuels their aspirations to continue to grow and develop as golfers in their own right.

“Now, as the GolfSixes League programme continues to grow from strength-to-strength, we are broadening our golfing horizons via our new programme, GolfNines, piloting in July and August this season. This new step in the junior golfer pathway seeks to challenge young golfers to progress their game further, beyond GolfSixes League, and achieve their full potential, whilst helping to close the gap between participation and performance on-course.”