Lewis flies the flag for young Scots in Europe
Burnside golfer savours experience of the Masters
A talented Burnside golfer flew the flag for Scotland in a prestigious European tournament last week after being chosen as one of best players in the country at under 16 level.
Lewis Irvine was one of two youngsters to represent the Scots to play in the European Young Masters competition in Switzerland on July 21-23.
Two of the best under-16 males and females from each country were selected to compete at the Golf Club du Domaine Impérial course in Gland.
And the 16 year old was tied for 19th after four rounds and finished on nine over par behind Belgium’s Adrien Dumont De Chassart, who finished overall winner on four under.
Lewis, a Hutchesons’ Grammar pupil who recently played in the Scottish Boys Under-16 Championships and the British Junior Open, told the Reformer he enjoyed his experience in sunny Switzerland.
However, despite finishing above fellow Scot, Connor Wilson, Lewis said he was disappointed in his own performance.
He said: “It was a strange one. I kind of surprised myself that I didn’t play to the ability I know I can. I’ve played the last four weeks in big tournaments so I don’t know if I had become tired.
“I was tied for seventh on the first day but I sort of lost it after that.
“I’ve played a lot of competitive golf but this was in a different environment. It was different being there with all the best players in Europe.
“On the competitive days it was 33 degrees and there was no wind so it was roasting. I’ve played golf when I’m on holiday but that was another world.
“I was taking on four to five litres of water a day.”
Lewis will now travel to Ireland. Fellow Kirkhill club member Craig Ross will also play in the senior Home Internationals tournament in Scotland.
The event on August 2-4 will see an 11-man Scotland team take on England, Wales and Ireland in the round robin style competition.
Lewis, the current Kirkhill Golf Club junior champion, will be part of the Scotland under-18 team who are the holders of the trophy.
Scotland enjoyed a memorable 9 ½ - 5 ½ win over defending champions England last year to secure their first Boys Home Internationals title in nine years at Conwy (Caernarvonshire) Golf Club in Wales.
The 2016 tournament will take place at Ballyliffin Golf Club at Ireland’s most northerly golf club in County Donegal.