Luke Harries has taken the runner-up spot in the prestigious U.S. Kids Golf European championships held in Scotland.

Sports mad Luke, of Pembroke, could soon find himself following in the footsteps of Lee Westwood by teeing up on the other side of the Atlantic.

During Whitsun, the ten-year-old travelled to Gullane, East Lothian (home of Muirfield), to compete at the U.S. Kids Golf European Championships. More than 500 competitors descended from 36 nations – from Wales to as far afield as Australia.

The tournament is said to be the most prestigious of its kind on the continent.

It offers junior players the dream chance to play at the ‘home of golf’ in Scotland against an international field. After 54 holes, played over thee days in glorious sunshine but strong Scottish winds, Luke finished runner up in his category, having led the field for most of the final round.

Despite Luke’s exemplary play he was beaten to the top spot by a player from the Czech Republic. On the fourth day Luke represented Europe in his age group in the Van Horn Cup. This is a showpiece event, modelled on the Ryder Cup where the best European players are pitted against the top non-European golfers. This event, which saw Europe retain the trophy, is regarded an honour to play for and generated great team spirit . Luke will now go forward to represent Great Britain at the US Kids Golf World Championships this summer at Pinehurst Golf Resort, North Carolina. This will be Luke’s fifth visit to the World Championships.

John Godwin, tournament director and former PGA Junior Leader Of The Year said: “The skill of the players really has to be seen to be believed. Despite their age, these players demonstrated great poise, balance and professionalism. Anyone who has not watched the elite of today’s junior golfers in action has missed a real treat.” Luke is a member of Tenby and South Pembrokeshire Golf Clubs. He is also a member of the Dyfed Golfing Union under-14 squad and continues to receive regular coaching from Robert Ryder.