AS THE world’s best golfers are set to grace Gleneagles in September as the famous course hosts the Ryder Cup, East Lothian will host the star players of tomorrow next month.

More than 500 talented youngsters from all over the world, aged between five and 18, will descend upon the county to compete for Europe’s most prestigious junior title – the US Kids Golf European Championships.

Now in its sixth year, the championships once again come to East Lothian, with the tournament played over five courses, May 27-29.

Alasdair Good, Gullane Golf Club professional and tournament co-ordinator, said: “It’s gearing up to be another fantastic year for the US Kids European Championships, with excitement heightened by the prospect of this year’s Ryder Cup also being held in Scotland.

“The enthusiasm and skills on show at the championships is always second to none, evident in the incredible scores that have been recorded in past years.

“We are looking forward to seeing Scotland host both the young stars of the future alongside the best of the best at the Ryder Cup.” This year’s championships will encompass Gullane No 2, Gullane No 3, Craigielaw Golf Club, Luffness New Golf Club and Longniddry Golf Club, with the top finishers in each category competing in the Van Horn Cup at Luffness New on May 30.

The showpiece event takes on a similar set up to the Ryder Cup, where the best European players are matched up against the top golfers from the rest of the world.

The top five finishers in each age and gender group also automatically receive an invitation to the US Kids Golf World Championships at Pinehurst Golf Club, North Carolina, in August.

Dan Van Horn, president and founder of US Kids Golf, said: “Not only do the championships help young players learn how to compete, the wonderful thing about competitive play at a young age is that they also learn how to cope with the ups and downs of the game.  “It’s safe to say that a day on the course – especially in East Lothian – can be like a ride on a roller coaster but we strive to teach all of the players how to take the positives out of a round that may not have gone quite as planned.

“This is invaluable experience and promotes skills that can then be applied to all aspects of the players’ lives in the future.  “The championships provide a real opportunity for young girls and boys to meet new friends whilst perfecting their play and I have no doubt that some of the talent nurtured at these championships will one day be teeing up to play in the Ryder Cup themselves.” Last year the tournament welcomed more than 500 players from 42 countries, adding a real international flavour to the competition, and it’s predicted that with the continued growth of junior golf, even greater numbers will be recorded in 2014.

Entry for the event is now open, with categories for young players of all ages and abilities. More information can be found at the website www.uskidsgolf.com