Gullane to host golf's champions of the future

Published on Thursday 9 April 2009 23:07

AS 400 boys and girls from 30 countries around the world prepare to visit East Lothian next month to enjoy a taste of links golf, Calum Hill and Lara Frostwick have gone head-to-head at Gullane Golf Club in a pairing which pitted the game's 19th century past against the 21st century present, writes Mike Aitken.

Hill, 13, was kitted out in the kind of clothing worn in the days of Old Tom Morris. He also played with hickory clubs.

Meanwhile, Frostwick, 14, took advantage of the latest equipment and clothing favoured by Tiger Woods and company from leading manufacturer US Kids Golf, backers of one of Europe's premier junior tournaments.

Next month's gathering of potential stars of tomorrow in Scotland owes much to the enthusiasm and encouragement of Gullane head professional Alasdair Good, the founder of the Wee Wonders championship, the UK's leading competition for five to 12-year-olds.

Having attended a similar gathering of promising youngsters at Pinehurst in North Carolina, the Scot encouraged the manufacturers of children's equipment to stage their first European event at the game's spiritual home last year.