U.S. Kids Golf European Championship heads to Scotland

An array of talented youngsters from all over the world will be heading to Scotland this May to take part in the 2013 U.S. Kids Golf European Championships.

This year, the region of East Lothian will play host to both stars of the future and the world's best players with the Open being staged at Muirfield.

The four-day tournament is organised by the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation, set up in 2011 to provide opportunities for children across the world to learn and play golf and forge new friendships. The organisation runs around 700 events each year.

It will take place from May 28-30 at five prestigious East Lothian golf courses: Gullane No. 2, Gullane No. 3, Craigielaw Golf Club, Luffness New Golf Club and Longniddry Golf Club.

Players of different ages, starting at six-years-old, will take on the various courses, which will be modified depending on the various age groups.

The top finishers in each category will compete for the Van Horn Cup at Gulane No. 1 on May 31, with the top five finishers in each age group earning an invite to the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst Golf Club, North Carolina, in August.

"We are delighted that the European Championship has developed into one of the must-attend events in the junior golf calendar," said Dan Van Horn, President and Founder of U.S. Kids Golf.

"Early indications are that this year's competition will be another resounding success as entry levels are already very healthy."

Competitors have previously travelled from countries like Australia, Venezuela, Namibia and Guatemala to take part in the competition.

Tournament co-ordinator, Alisdair Good, added: "The opportunity to play on some of East Lothian's historic courses is one of the main reasons why this tournament has become so popular.

"With the Open being held next door at Muirfield, I'm expecting a surge of interest in this year's event as golf in Scotland grows."