YOUNG Malvern golfer Lucy Walton has achieved what most professionals can only wish for by scoring a hole-in-one at a prestigious junior event.

The 10-year-old, from Hanley Swan, hit her impressive shot on the 106-yard 13th at Gullane Number Two in Scotland.

It was part of the US Kids Golf European Championship, a three-day event taking in Scottish courses Gullane Number Two, Gullane Number Three, Longniddry and Craigielaw.

Walton was competing in the tournament for the second year running and scored her hole-in-one on the first day of play, inspiring her to go on and record the lowest girl’s score of 68 under par.

Dad Peter, also her caddy, said: “I was extremely excited when Lucy scored her hole-in-one and was probably more excited than she was.

“We couldn’t believe it when she made the shot. We even spent a few minutes looking for the ball before we realised it had landed in the hole.

“Everyone around us, even her playing partners, were congratulating her on her fantastic achievement.

“I don’t think Lucy really understands the immensity of what she achieved. We have explained to her that some golfers never achieve a hole-in-one in their whole life time, but I’m not sure she realises how rare this is.”

Walton finished in fourth place overall and her mother Diane added: “Lucy would love to one day play golf professionally and it is tournament of such a high calibre as the US Kids Golf European Championship that gives her the competitive environment that is needed if she is going to make it.”

The other players to register a hole-in-one were Slovakia’s Kristjan Vojteh Berkelca in the boys under seven category and Lewis Reid in the 12-year-old section.

The event, now in its third year, was organised by the US Kids Golf Foundation which aims to promote golf to young players and their families.

Foundation president Dan Van Horn said: “This has been a great event that has showcased some of the very best junior golfing talent from around the world.”