See tomorrow’s stars today

The Junior Ryder Cup kicks off what is set to be an action-packed week in Perthshire.

AS excitement reaches fever pitch before the main event, some of the world’s best junior golfers will descend on Blairgowrie to compete in the Junior Ryder Cup.

Newly-crowned amateur champion Bradley Neil, below, is the headline name in the star-studded European line-up and he will be looking to take advantage of the venue being his home course.

HISTORICALLY

Set to take place on the Monday and Tuesday of Ryder Cup week, this year sees the match being held, officially, for the seventh time, with the US having won on three occasions, Europe twice
and one match having ended in a tie.

It historically was created for players under the age of 16 but that was recently extended to include players under 18 years of age.

The team itself is made up of six boys and six girls, with the winners of the European Young Masters joined by ten captains’ picks.

The European team will be captained by 2004 Open Silver Medal winner Stuart Wilson, who also took the role in 2012. The Forfar man said: “It is fantastic to have both men’s and ladies’ amateur champions playing along with other in-form players that have been collecting experience at the highest level in both the amateur and pro ranks.

“Having personally experienced the Junior Ryder Cup in Chicago two years ago, I know that they will have an unforgettable week made up with great golf, lots of memories and new friendships. Hopefully their selection will be a stepping stone to further success in their golfing careers.”

CAMARADERIE

Fredrik Lindren, director of the Junior Ryder Cup, added: “The Junior Ryder Cup is always a thrilling event which showcases some of the best up and coming international talent.

“It is a fantastic way to get involved in the whole ethos of sporting excellence and camaraderie that the Ryder Cup represents and we are looking forward to a superb event at Blairgowrie.”

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