Pint-sized golf champ on track to retain European title in East Lothian

U.S. Kids Golf European Championship Press releases

Ffion Tynan 1 A junior golfer’s preparations to retain her European crown has teed off to the perfect start as she scooped up the Scottish Girls Under 16’s title.

Swinging into the new season in style, Ffion Tynan from Rhondda Cyon Taf, South Wales took on a 90 strong field to win the coveted Murray Donald and Caithness NETT Cup at Strathmore Golf Club in Blairgowrie.

The remarkable 11-year-old, who has been tipped for the top, is hoping the cup win will serve to boost her hopes of retaining the U.S. Kids Golf European Championships title held at Gullane, Craigielaw, Luffness, New and Longniddry at the end of May.

The rising star graced East Lothian’s greens last year where she was named the U.S. Kids Golf European girls champion for her age category.

Speaking of her love of Scottish golf, Ffion said: “I absolutely love coming up to Scotland to compete. The courses are so beautiful and the people are always very friendly.

“I’m over the moon to have won the Scottish Girls Under 16’s competition especially as there were some really strong players up against me.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season and I am counting down the days until I return to the fantastic courses in East Lothian for the U.S. Kids Golf European Championships.

She added: “Last year I met so many new friends at the championships from places as far afield as New Zealand. I have stayed in touch with them through twitter so can’t wait to be reunited with them this May.”

Golfing Bug

Ffion caught the golfing bug just four years ago where her natural swing and flair for the game was first spotted at a junior golf camp during a family holiday. She went on to shoot her first hole-in-one at just nine years old, and has quickly raced to a staggering 38 tournament wins, which has seen her handicap plummet to just eight.

It’s an impressive rise for the smiley schoolgirl whose ultimate dream is to turn professional. After her win at the U.S. Kids Golf Championships last year, Ffion’s father Andrew Tynan commented on how the experience helped further inspire his daughter.

He said: “To be surrounded by some of the world’s finest golfing talents at the championships at such a young age really helped cement Ffion’s passion for the game.

“Not only are the U.S. Kids Golf Championships beneficial to her golf, but she has also learnt some great life skills, made some friends from around the world and broadened her horizons a great deal.

“The atmosphere at the championships is truly special and is also fantastic for us parents as we can share advice on how we can help our kids balance golf with their school work and other hobbies.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to East Lothian with Ffion in May for what is definitely one of the highlights of our summer.

He added: “Obviously it would be brilliant if Ffion manages to retain her title at this year’s event but so long as she continues smiling, that’s enough for me.”

To help fund Ffion’s Scottish travel and accommodation, Alness based company, Be Personnel has subsidised her costs.

The 2014 U.S. Kids Golf European Championships takes places over May 27 -29 over five famous East Lothian courses: Gullane No.2, Gullane No.3, Craigielaw Golf Club, Luffness New Golf Club and Longniddry Golf Club.

The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation was launched in 2001 to provide opportunities for children across the world to learn and play golf and to forge new friendships. Since holding its first tournament in 2000, U.S. Kids Golf Foundation now runs some 800 events each year including the prestigious World Championships at Pinehurst.

The Foundation is the charitable branch of U.S. Kids Golf – the world’s largest producer of junior golf equipment. The firm has pioneered the development of golf clubs for young people, eliminating the problem of kids using heavier, cut-down adult clubs which often hurts developing swings and discourages budding players.