Joshua Allen, a 10-year old Wilson golfer, garnered a spot in the invitation only event, based on his recent tournament performances and Allen's sparkling resume clinched his ticket .
Allen, who has always been fascinated with the European style of golf, posted rounds of 85-79-85 to secure 23rd place in cold and blustery conditions. Winds swirled and raged reaching 35 mph during two of the rounds and the elements proved challenging for most of the American players in the three-day event.
"I practiced playing the ball back in my stance to keep the ball flight lower," explained Allen, " but I still wasn't completely prepared when I arrived to play. It was even more difficult than I had imagined."
Also wreaking havoc for the invaders was a 6-inch spindly rough.
"I couldn't advance the ball very far because the rough was so thick and would wrap around the club, but I played really well out of the deep bunkers," Allen said.
Allen was paired with linksters from Ireland and Slovenia and spent a great deal of time meeting competitors from other countries. Since returning from Scotland, Allen won a US Kids Golf World Championship Qualifier in Virginia.
"I hope to see some of the players I met in Scotland when I compete in the US Kids World Championship in Pinehurst later this month," Allen said.
After competing in the tournament, Allen was able to play at Turnberry, the site of the 2009 British Open Championship. His caddie talked with him about the history of the course and pointed out the newly constructed tee boxes for the professional golfers. His round was highlighted by two birdies and an eagle on Hole No. 14.
"It was just a lot of fun and I like the way they talk in Scotland," commented Allen.
Allen was accompanied by his parents, Jimmy and Sharon of Wilson.