A PRESTON Lodge High School pupil has earned the chance to play among the professionals at the Scottish Senior Open next month.

James Morgan will join two other East Lothian youngsters, Cameron Gallagher and Lewis Irvine, in the field for the first two days of the prestigious Pro-Am at The Renaissance Club on August 4 and 5.

Morgan accumulated 37 stableford points – shooting a scratch 70 in the process – at a special qualifier hosted by The Renaissance Club in which 15 of East Lothian’s most talented young secondary school golfers battled for the chance to play with the professionals.

Gallagher (Preston Lodge) and Irvine (Musselburgh Grammar) were earlier selected through their ranking in the 2017 Secondary School Order of Merit organised by Active East Lothian.

Secondary school pupils from throughout East Lothian competed over the last year for this opportunity, which aims to encourage more young people to become involved in the sport.

Morgan, who finished one point ahead of his fellow Preston Lodge pupil Aaron Hall, said it was “the chance of a lifetime” to play alongside one of the European Senior Tour professionals for 36 holes of the three-day event next month.

He added: “It’s an experience that money can’t buy.

“We live and play golf in a wonderful part of the country – Scotland’s Golf Coast – and The Renaissance Club is absolutely one of the very best courses, not just in the area but the whole of Scotland.

“I loved the experience and can’t wait to get back to play in the Pro-Am part of the tournament with one of the pros.

“It’s a privilege to play here in the qualifier and also to come back for the main event. I am sure the experience will help my game a huge amount.

“My fellow Longniddry member, Cameron Gallagher, has played in this tournament previously, as well as the Scottish Open at Gullane, so now I have an opportunity to join him in a big event!”