America’s Best Young Golfers On Some Of The World’s Oldest Links

April 27, 2009 - PRLog -- Some of the world’s oldest and most historic courses lie in wait for 59 young US golfers when they travel to Scotland, the home of golf, next month to take part in the US Kids Golf European Championships.
The American hopefuls are just some of the 400-plus youngsters from more than 30 nations who will be competing in Scotland on some of its most famous links courses – the same hallowed turf where the game was played hundreds of years ago.
As well as battling the renowned links courses and the elements of links golf, the players will also battle each other for the title of US Kids Golf European Champion as well as the chance to win coveted places in the US Kids Golf World Championships at Pinehurst Golf Club, North Carolina, in August.
In total, 59 US golfers will be travelling across the Atlantic and the event has attracted a similar number of competitors from the rest of the world – a fantastic achievement in the current economic climate and an indication of just how highly the event is regarded across the globe.
A complete list of US golfers competing is available on request.
The event – to be held across five of Scotland’s historic golf courses in East Lothian in May - sees boys and girls split into different gender and age categories.
The top finishers in each category will then compete in the Van Horn Cup – a showpiece event, modelled on the Ryder Cup, where the best European players are pitted against the top non-Europe golfers.  The top five finishers in each age and gender group also automatically receive an invitation to the US Kids Golf World Championships in August.
John Godwin, tournament director and former PGA junior leader of the year believes the talent on display will surprise even the most seasoned golf pros.
He said: “The skill of the players really has to be seen to be believed.  Despite their age, these players demonstrate great poise, balance and professionalism – for example you very rarely see a fluff or mishit shot.
“Anyone who has not watched the elite of today’s junior golfers in action is in for a treat. If we get good conditions, I’m confident we will see a host of superb sub-par rounds.”
The event is organised by US Kids Golf, the world’s largest producer of junior golf equipment for ages 14 and under. It has pioneered the development of golf clubs for young people, eliminating the problem of kids using heavier, cut-down adult clubs which often hurts developing swings and discourages budding players.
The US Kids Golf Foundation was launched in 2001 to provide opportunities for kids to play and learn the game through local tours and tournaments. Since holding its first tournament in 2000, US Kids Golf Foundation now runs some 400 events each year with the 2008 World Championships attracting more than 1,200 players from 34 countries.
John, who is director of player development at US Kids Golf Foundation, added: “We are committed to providing opportunities for young players to play and develop golf. Many of the best young players from around the world – including many from the US – will be competing in May. I am sure that many of these will be go on to become at very least competent golfers, but possibly even the Tiger’s and Padraig’s of tomorrow.”
The 2009 European Championships will be played between May 26-28, 2009 on five courses in East Lothian - Gullane No. 2, Gullane No. 3, Craigielaw Golf Club, Kilspindie Golf Club and Luffness New Golf Club.  The Van Horn Cup is played on May 29 at Gullane No. 1.
Dewey Crim, chairman of the US Kids Golf Foundation, said competition, at any level, makes golf more fun and encourages young players to improve their skills and advance in the game.
He added: “The US Kids Golf World Championship Qualifiers were created to provide an opportunity for kids to showcase their skills and progress in age appropriate competition. They are a part of US Kids Golf's overall mission to help kids have fun learning the game of golf at an early age and to encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories.”
For more information or to enter the US Kids Golf European Championships, visit www.uskidsgolf.com