HUNDREDS of talented young golfers from across the world are in East Lothian for a prestigious tournament.
The US Kids Golf 15th annual European Championship sees 532 young stars from 55 countries, including Paraguay, Indonesia and South Africa, take part in five days of fiercely competitive golf, across 16 age groups, with ages ranging from five to 18 years.
The first event teed off on Sunday (May 26) with a parent/child event at Dunbar’s Winterfield, before three days of the world-ranking recognised European Championships across various courses concludes today (Thursday).
Courses at Craigielaw Golf Club, Longniddry Golf Club, Royal Musselburgh Golf Club, The Musselburgh Golf Club, North Berwick Golf Club and Glen Golf Club, in North Berwick, are all involved during the international event.
US Kids Golf events are widely viewed as a pathway for the world’s best golfing talents, with alumni including current world number one Scottie Scheffler as well as Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Young and Patrick Reed.
More than 500 youngsters from across the globe will be teeing off on courses throughout East Lothian
Chris Vonderkall, the vice president of tournaments, said: “Each and every year we make incredible storylines. With a field packed with talent from all around the world, 2024 holds great promise.
“The East Lothian courses and the wider community has always been so welcoming and supportive – and we are delighted to be back.
“We’re across seven different courses this year, giving youngsters the opportunity to sample some of the best links golf in the world, in truly historic settings.
“We can’t wait to get started.”
There is a significant amount of local interest with Great Britain fielding the most players, followed by the US, France and India.
Defending champion Riviera Lindholm will be joined by her sisters London and Soleil
Local interest is guaranteed with 20 Scottish golfers, including Freddie Bradley, an 11-year-old from Gullane, and Stella Walters from Aberlady.
Six returning champions will bid to replicate last year’s success.
Among those are Riviera Lindholm, an 11-year-old from Toronto, who is joined this year by her sisters, London and Soleil.
US Kids Golf Foundation was founded in 1996.
Its mission is to help kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories.
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