US KIDS GOLF FOUNDATION EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Good showing by Ayrshire boy at Gullane

 

Ruben Lindsay

A young Ayrshire golfer finished just outside the prize list in the recent US Kids Golf Foundation European Championships, held at Gullane from 28th to 30th May.

 

Under the format of the competition, the courses are set up with yardages to suit age category, and all are generally par 72 layouts, with Championship events held over 3 rounds (54 holes).

 

Ruben Lindsay from Ayr Belleisle played in the 9 yr. old boys Category held at Gullane No3 course, alongside the top junior golfers from Europe and around the world, including teams from South Africa, America and  Mexico.  

 

Ruben played solid golf for the first 2 rounds scoring 82 in very testing and windy conditions, followed by a 4 over par 76.  In the final round Ruben scored a superb level par 72, the 3rd best score on the day, to finish tied 6 in overall event and the tied 2nd placed European, behind Mark Faulkner from England who finished third overall.

 

Ruben Lindsay with top European 9 year old boy
Mark Faulkner

While no trophy this time, Ruben really enjoyed the experience and playing with the elite young golfers from Europe, and is quickly gaining experience of competitive golf at the highest level.

 

Along with Ruben, Ayrshire had two other players in the US Kids European Championships, Fraser Russell and Freya Russell, both from Troon, who competed in the 9 year old boys and Under 8 year old gierls competitions respectively.

 

Ruben Lindsay is also a member of Troon Welbeck and along with his clubmate Cameron Johnstone, Ruben is a member of the Stephen Gallacher Foundation in East Lothian, and he is also a member of the Paul Lawrie Foundation in the North of Scotland.  Both Ruben and Cameron have now brought their handicaps down below 20 and have produced some fine competition performances in recent times.

 

Cameron won the U10 Stephen Gallacher Foundation Grand Final in 2012, whilst both Cameron and Ruben played in the Wee Wonders UK Grand Final in 2012, and Ruben played in the lead group, finishing tied 5th in the 7-8 years 2012 British finals held over 3 rounds of 9 holes at St Andrews.  Qualifying events for those competitions in 2013 are being held during June and July this year.