A FEAST of golfing activity which catered for beginners through to some of the UK’s most talented young players was held at St Andrews over the weekend.

Banking giant HSBC hosted the annual Wee Wonders grand final at the famous links, and at the same time the acclaimed practice centre at St Andrews, along with four other locations, participated in the company’s Teeing Off in Scotland initiative.

The competition was held over Saturday and Sunday, and the abilities of some of the youngsters, including former Open champion Paul Lawrie’s son Michael, astonished and delighted locals and visitors.

The players were aged between five and 12, and the start of play was signalled by rugby legend Gregor Townsend, with Colin Montgomerie on hand to present the prizes.

Montgomerie said it was a great achievement for the youngsters to make the final, and that he had also started playing golf at a similar age. He emphasised, however, that golf should also be fun.

HSBC Wee Wonders was founded 12 years ago by Gullane professional Alasdair Good, who was in charge over the weekend.

He said that it was always great to reach the climax of another year and that heading for St Andrews was a treat for everyone concerned.

The 2007 series attracted more than 3000 children, with a significant increase in young female participation.

A total of 70 youngsters competed for the title of 2007 HSBC Wee Wonders champion, with each competitor hoping to earn a place and attend the HSBC World Match Play Pro-Am at Wentworth in October.

At the same time everyone in the county, regardless of age or ability, was given the chance to try free golf at St Andrews, Braids Hills Golf Range in Edinburgh, Kings Links Golf Centre in Aberdeen, Brucefields Family Golf Club in Stirling, and Mearns Castle Golf Academy in Glasgow.

HSBC provided free practice balls throughout Saturday as part of its commitment to grassroots golf programmes, bringing the golfing community together across Scotland, and allowing the game to develop.

Results: Girls. 5-6 years—1 Ebonie Lewis (Bristol) 85, 2 Megan Mann (Deopham) 90, 3 Grace Connelly (Miskin) 102; 7-8—1 Samantha Fuller (Chiswick) 76, 2 Claire Olney (Surrey) 76, 3 Ciari Richmond (Castlerock) 87; 9-10—1 Emily Boyman (Pwllheli) 65, 2 Ella Ofstedahl (Hitchin) 65, 3 Fay Carpenter (Poole) 65; 11-12—1 Bethan Popel (Bristol) 66, 2 Lauren Whyte (Strathkinness) 67, 3 Imani Jagdeo (London) 67.

Boys. 5-6 years—1 Jake Craddock (St Albans) 77, 2 Charlie Daughtery (Rotherham) 80, 3 Connor Hibbs (Swindon) 81; 7-8—1 Jonathan Gerrish (Sidcup) 68, 2 Ryan Hampton (Scunthorpe) 69, 3 Callum Walker (St Albans) 72; 9-10—1 Tim Harry (Vale of Glamorgan) 58, 2 Jack Singh-Brar (Romsey) 61, 3 David Brady (Sligo) 62; 11-12—1 Michael Pressick (Bourne) 57, 2 Liam Cox (Staines) 59, 3 Benjamin Kinsley (St Andrews) 59.