Harrington encourages young golfers competing in Junion Open

Jul 14 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

MORE than 68 countries are being represented by their young golfers at the Junior Open that tees off today.

The tournament was officially opened by Open champion Padraig Harrington at Hesketh Golf Club, Southport, yesterday.

He told the youngsters their youth was "the best days of your lives", adding: "You will all go on to bring the game to new heights.

"It’s great to see so many people from throughout the world."

China has entered the tournament for the first time this year.

Liang Zhong, a 14-year- old player with a handicap of three, from Shenzhen, in China, said: "I’m very excited to be here. Golf in China is very expensive, but I got into it when my father took me to a driving range.

"I think this course is OK. The fairway is small so it’s a bit difficult."

Zhong, who is a junior champion back home, said a good result would be coming in the top 10.

Golfers aged 12 to 16 will vie for the Junior Open title.

Every two years, the R&A asks its affiliated national bodies in 120 countries to send a boy and girl to play in the Junior Open.

This fifth event in the series has attracted a record entry of 108 young players from 68 countries.