TWENTY of East Lothian’s finest young golfers have returned home after a successful 10-day trip to Pinehurst in North Carolina.

The youngsters travelled as representatives of East Lothian Junior Golf League (ELJGL) as part of the annual trip to the USA.

The trip to Pinehurst has been sidelined since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but returned this year, to the delight of all who took part.

Before flying out, 19 of the 20 golfers attended a special lunch at the Glen Golf Club in North Berwick, which was also attended by Catriona and Graeme Matthew.

The youngsters took in the very best of North Carolina golf, enjoying rounds at Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Forest Creek South, Pinehurst No 4, Pinehurst No. 8, and at Longleaf, which is the home of the US Kids Golf organisation.

Juniors also played at the nine-hole Cradle course, where Scott Porteous of Longniddry made a magical hole-in-one.

Dave Warren, secretary of East Lothian Junior Golf League, said: “The trip was subsidised by the league, through several donations from some kind sponsors and friends to whom we are extremely grateful.

“Another kind sponsor paid for the team clothing supplied from a major golf apparel company.

“These generous donations to the league ensure that these trips can take place, and the league is extremely grateful to these donors.

“It was my great pleasure to lead such a fine group of young players, who didn’t know each other well at the start of the trip, but by the end of the trip, great fun and many new experiences were had, so many lasting friendships were formed.

“The players truly had a trip of a lifetime and returned home with fresh views, perhaps, on what is possible in this great game called golf.”