Stephen Gallacher backs U.S. Kids Golf European Championships

European Tour player Stephen Gallacher has lent his support to the U.S. Kids Golf European Championships, taking place in Scotland next month.

The Scot, who is enjoying a resurgence on the European Tour and has fought himself back into the world’s top 100, readily takes time out from his schedule to coach youngsters at Gullane GC, one of the courses hosting the USKG tournament.

He said: “There’s no doubt that tournaments like the U.S. Kids Golf European Championship are vital in nurturing the next generation of golfing talent. It not only encourages healthy competition between young players but also instils the positive values that golf can bring to the rest of their lives.

“Many of the players who take part in this competition are exceptionally talented and it is a shock to see just how well they are playing the game at such a tender age. They hit the ball as well as seasoned veterans and the precision of their shots is very impressive to watch.

“If they continue to, I think it’s highly likely that some of these youngsters are going to go on to play on the professional tour and be challenging for Majors in the future. 

“I have great memories of playing golf as a junior across the Lothians, and I am glad that so many young players from around the world are getting the chance to compete on these historic courses as well.

“It is great news for Scotland that this tournament is coming back once again in 2011 and I hope it continues to go from strength to strength in the coming years.”

Around 500 young players from across the world are expected to come to East Lothian with their families during this year’s U.S. Kids Golf European Championship, which takes place from May 31-June 2.

The tournament will take place on five historic courses – Gullane No. 2, Gullane No. 3, Craigielaw Golf Club, Luffness New Golf Club and Longniddry Golf Club – which are modified for each age group in order to provide the same level challenge, meaning holes are progressively shorter as the age groups get younger.  It ultimately allows the players to reach the greens in the same number of strokes as the top pros on the PGA tour.

The top finishers in each category will compete in the Van Horn Cup over Gullane No 1 – a showpiece event, modelled on 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 U.S. Kids Golf World Championships at Pinehurst Golf Club, North Carolina, in August.

Alasdair Good, tournament co-ordinator and head professional at Gullane golf club, said: “The European Championship is becoming one of the highlights of the junior golfing calendar and attracts some of the best young players from around the world. Over the past four years, we’ve seen the event go from strength to strength and there is always a tremendous amount of talent on display.

“We’re delighted that one of Scotland’s leading players on the professional tour has given his backing to the tournament this year. As a new member at Gullane and a regular player in East Lothian, Stephen knows the challenges that these courses can pose – even for a seasoned pro – and I’m sure he will be impressed with the standard of these competitors.

“I’m sure he will be impressed with the poise and technique of some of these players, and will recognise the potential that they have to be the next stars of the game. I have no doubt that many of them will be playing in the future on the same professional tour that Stephen currently challenges on.”

For more information or to register for the U.S. Kids Golf European Championship, visit www.uskidsgolf.com