THERE was a familiar name among the winners at the US Kids Golf European Championship, which was held on courses around East Lothian last week.

Allan Kournikova, the half-brother of former tennis star Anna, claimed his fourth consecutive victory in impressive style, finishing with a 22-shot lead, three-under-par for his three rounds.

The nine-year-old is an exceptional talent, and this year’s title is the latest in an impressive haul for the Florida-born youngster, belying his youthful years.

The competition also saw Rina Tatematsu, from Thailand, retain her crown in the girls’ 12 category, carding rounds of 73, 78 and 70 on Gullane No 3 course.

The championship was held on five courses across the county, and was expected to draw almost £1 million into the area’s tourism industry.

Gullane No. 2, Gullane No. 3, Craigielaw, Luffness New and Longniddry were the courses that hosted the event, with Kournikova the star attraction, while the Ryder Cup-style Van Horn Cup was held on Gullane No 1.

The competition came just months before Scotland prepares to host the world’s finest golfers, with Gleneagles set to host the Ryder Cup proper in September.

There was some exceptional golf on show across the week, with two young seven-year-olds hitting impressive holes in one.

The first was Luke Schmidt from Barnsley, who ignored the advice of his caddy – and grandad – before sinking his tee-shot on the 91-yard, par three, fourth at Longniddry.

That was followed up by another impressive hole-in-one from Supapon Amornchaichan, who scooped his the following day, on the 90-yard, par three, sixth at the same course.

However it was Kournikova who stole the show, claiming another victory and adding to a growing reputation, despite his youthful years, that looks set to see him become one of the golfing stars of the future.

The top finishers in each age category at the championships received places at the US Kids Golf World Championship, which will take place later this year over the US in North Carolina.