LORETTO School pupil Joseph Cookson was given the chance of a lifetime during Scottish Open week when he was invited to play with US Open winner and Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell.

Joseph, 13, was one of three youngsters asked to join the Scottish Government team during the ProAm tournament at Gullane Golf Club, which preceded the championship.

The teenager began his coaching at Haddington Golf Club and attended development centre coaching at his home club Gullane last winter under PGA Professional Jordan Ramanauskas.

He was awarded a scholarship to the Loretto Golf Academy this year, before which he won the Simmers Cup for the best gross score by an under 13 player in the UK-wide Junior Championships, organised by Loretto last September.

Joseph admitted he was nervous playing alongside McDowell but soon calmed down.

He said: “I calmed down a lot after a birdie on the third. My game went very well from then and all the nerves were gone. The course was very challenging, the rough was up to waist height and the fairways were like concrete.

“I had an amazing time at the Scottish Open ProAm and am very grateful for being given the opportunity to play with one of the best golfers in the world.

“It was a great experience. Graeme gave me loads of tips and if you needed help, you just asked him straight away. It was a great day and the crowds were amazing.” The ProAm was held on the eve of the Scottish Open by organisers the European Tour.

McDowell said he enjoyed playing with Joseph and the opportunity to pick his brains about how to play the Gullane course.

He said: “We had a really fun day. The First Minister and the Scottish Government gave up one of their slots to clubgolf and three great young players, including Joseph.

“They are great kids and great players and the future of Scottish golf. It is great to see the legacy from the Ryder Cup and great for the development of golf in Scotland and I wish them all the best.”