Jerry Sarvadi of the Renaissance Club and teenager James Morgan

Preston Lodge High pupil James Morgan will play alongside professional golfers in the Scottish Senior Open at Renaissance Club next month.

The 17-year-old, who is a three-handicap member of Longniddry Golf Club, joined two other East Lothian youths, Cameron Gallagher and Lewis Irvine, in the field for the first two days of the tournament on August 4 and 5.

Morgan collected ed 37 stableford points – shooting a scratch 70 in the process – at a special qualifier hosted by Renaissance Club in which 15 of East Lothian’s most talented secondary school golfers battled for the prize.

Gallagher (Preston Lodge) and Irvine (Musselburgh High) were earlier selected through their ranking in the 2017 Secondary School Order of Merit organised by Active East Lothian.

Morgan, who finished one point ahead of his fellow Preston Lodge pupil, Aaron Hall, admitted it was the chance of a lifetime to play alongside one of the European Senior Tour professionals for 36 holes of the three-day event next month.

He added: “It’s an experience that money can’t buy. We live and play golf in a wonderful part of the country and Renaissance Club is one of the very best courses, not just in the area but the whole of Scotland.

“I loved the experience and can’t wait to get back to play in the Pro-Am part of the tournament with one of the pros.

“It’s a privilege to play here in the qualifier and also to come back for the main event. I am sure the experience will help my game a huge amount.

Entrance to the only European Tour event in the Lothians region in 2017 will be free to everyone with a nominal charge being made for car parking.

It is situated just a short walk from the first tee and 18th at the internationally-acclaimed Tom Doak-designed course.

Cars with solo occupancy will be charged ÂŁ5 per day while vehicles with one or more passenger will pay ÂŁ10.

All proceeds will be donated to the official event charity, which will be determined at a later date.

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