Prospective champions fly in to play golf

HUNDREDS of young golfers who have flown in from all over the world were putting in some last-minute practice on the tricky links courses of East Lothian yesterday in preparation for the junior European Champion tournament, which tees off today.

About 500 players – aged from six to 18 – will compete around four links courses at Gullane, as well as at the Craigielaw and Longniddry golf clubs over the three-day competion.

Youngsters have travelled from as far as Australia, Thailand and Africa to compete in the event, now in its third year.

And the honour of being the youngest player at the tournament had to be shared by two six-year-olds.

Eden Bailey, from Weston-Super-Mare and Ian Fritz from the United States both turned six on 4 February and will be competing in the under-sevens boys' category.