Young golfers from Surrey have cemented their credentials as stars of the future at a prestigious junior tournament in Scotland, writes Adrian Mather.

Three sporting prodigies from the region finished in the coveted top-three places in their age groups at this year’s US Kids Golf European Championship after taking on some of the best young golfers from across the world.

Nine-year-olds Samantha Fuller from Kingston, and Martha Lewis from Weybridge proved too good for the rest of the competitors in the girls nine years section – finishing first and third respectively.

Samantha, a member at Roehampton Golf Club, triumphed in the competition for the second year running.

Inci Mehmet, 12, from Richmond, was second in the girls’ 12 years section.

The competition was organised by the US Kids Golf Foundation, which aims to promote golf to young players and their families around the world.

Alastair Good, tournament co-ordinator and head professional at Gullane Golf Course, said: “The standard has been excellent this year and we’ve been very impressed with the way that these young players have performed.

“The conditions haven’t been easy, but many of the competitors have done very well on the course during the week.

“We were also delighted to see a hole-in-one by one of the players, which is always a highlight of any golf tournament.

“A hole in one at the age of 10, and during the added pressure of it being a competition round, is a tremendous achievement.”

The event was held over five historic courses in East Lothian – Gullane number two, Gullane number three, Killspindie, Luffness New and Craigielaw – and saw players compete for the title of European Champion, as well as for places at the US Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst later this year.

During the competition, the courses are modified for each age group in order to provide the same level challenge – so holes are progressively shorter as the age groups get younger.

It ultimately allows the players to reach the greens in the same number of strokes as the top pros on the PGA tour.