THE future of golf met its historic past when 400 of the best young golfers, including Beaconsfield"s Annabel Dimmock, from around 30 nations, descended on Scotland for the prestigious US Kids Golf European Championships.

The Championship took part on some of the world"s oldest courses in the country where the game was invented. The 2009 European Championships was played between May 26-28, on five courses in East Lothian - Gullane No. 2, Gullane No. 3, Craigielaw Golf Club, Kilspindie Golf Club and Luffness New Golf Club. The Van Horn Cup is played on May 29 at Gullane No. 1.

The top finishers in each category compete in the Van Horn Cup - a showpiece event, modelled on the Ryder Cup, where the best European players are pitted against the top non-Europe golfers.

The top five finishers in each age and gender group also automatically receive an invitation to the US Kids Golf World Championships at Pinehurst Golf Club, North Carolina, in August.

Twelve handicapper Annabel from Beaconsfield Golf Club qualified to compete and came third in her age category. She teamed up with Inci Mehmet to represent Europe in the Van Horn Cup. They played against Courtney Morris (South Africa) and Breann Laney (USA) representing the International team and halved their match to help Europe to a 6.5-4.5 win.

Annabel, who played great golf under pressure, said: 'I felt so lucky to play such wonderful courses with beautiful views and to have met new friends from many countries. This was truly a great experience.' John Godwin, tournament director and former PGA junior leader of the year believes the talent on display will surprise even the most seasoned golf pros. He said: 'The skill of the players really has to be seen to be believed. Despite their age, these players demonstrate great poise, balance and professionalism - for example you very rarely see a fluff or mishit shot.'