Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond has highlighted the benefits of youth golf tournaments and their role in promoting the country’s next generation of sporting stars.

Speaking during an event in North Berwick – where a major funding package was announced for Scotland’s amateur and juniuor golfers – Mr Salmond talked about how competitions such as the U.S. Kids Golf European Championship helped youngsters develop a taste for competitive golf.

The U.S. Kids Golf European Championship will help to showcase some of the world’s best young golfing talent when it is staged in East Lothian in June. Around 500 kids from around the globe will come to compete at Gullane, Longniddry and Craigielaw golf courses for the title of European Champion.

The event will also showcase the best local golfing talent from across East Lothian and the rest of Scotland – many of whom have been involved with the Scottish Government’s clubgolf programme.