Golf – talented youngsters set for Senior Open

Three young golfers from East Lothian have won the rare opportunity to compete alongside some of the biggest names in senior professional golf next month.

Mollaidh Nicholson from Kilspindie, Jack Noon from Musselburgh and Dunbar’s Andrew Scott produced top class performances in the annual East Lothian Junior Championships at Craigielaw Golf Club, where they will return to take part in the Scottish Senior Open on September 14 and 15.

The first two rounds of the Scottish Senior Open – won in 2017 by two-time Senior Major Champion Paul Broadhurst – are played in the Alliance Pro-Am format with one professional partnering one amateur.

The professionals then compete for the title on the third and final day on Sunday, September 16.

The Scottish Senior Open is being staged in East Lothian for the fourth successive year following outstanding events at Archerfield Links in 2015 and 2016 and Renaissance Club in 2017.

Mollaidh, playing off a handicap of 10, won the girls competition with a scratch 78, one better than Craigielaw’s Carys Irvine.

Meanwhile in the 36-hole boys event, four handicapper Jack finished one ahead of Andrew – also off four – with scores of 71 and 78 for a 149 aggregate.

All three juniors can now expect a superb two days of competition when the senior professionals arrive in East Lothian for the 26th edition of the £250,000 event with £37,500 for the winner.

Admission to the course is free on all three days, but car parking will be charged at £5 for a solo driver and £10 per car with two or more occupants with all proceeds going to the event’s official charity, East Lothian Foodbank.