Ten young golf protegees, aged ten to 13, will travel to Martin County, Florida this July to compete in a friendly golf tournament.

Last year, ten American children from the Martin County's Boys and Girls Club flew to Bermuda and faced the St. George's, Sandy's and Angle Street Community Centres in a friendly competition.

Troy Berkeley, a senior community worker for the Sandys Centre, said: "Last year in January we had some kids down from the Boys and Girls Club in Florida and we organised a golf tournament event here.

"This year we're going to Martin County for a golf tournament. It's going to be a annual thing,'' he added.

Escorted by Deidre Otway, the group will play a two-day tournament of nine holes a day, from July 1 to 7, and take part in other events like joining host families for the American Independence Day holiday.

Devoe Whaley and Harold Minors, senior community workers for St. George's and Angle Street Centres respectively, were on hand for the children's first golf lessons with golf pro Leo Custodio.

The eight-boy, two-girl team will practice once a week for the next 20 weeks with Mr. Custodio who usually teaches at the Gold Academy in Southampton.

Representing the Sandy's centre are: Ryan and Rajay Simons, from Angle Street Centre: Antoine and Trishanna Martin, Alex Vanderpool and Torico Caines.

And from the St. George's Community Centre: Jaz Burrows, Garina Tucker, Hunter Bonnett and Chris Dunston.

Mr. Minors said: "We're giving the kids the opportunity to travel, be in a sporting programme and make friends while at the same time learning.

"Some of these kids don't normally play golf so it's learning a new sport.

You want to give chances to kids that like the game, an opportunity to learn and get professional instruction.'' Mr. Custodio, with some 42 years of teaching experience, said the children will go over all the finer points of golf -- from etiquette to approach shots.

He called golf "a game of concentration'' and said it will help children get jobs in "big business''.

Mr. Custodio also said the game was about potential.

"Because anyone of the children could be the next Tiger Woods but they will never know until they try,'' he added.