Five young people, aged from 12 to 18, spent nearly a week in St Andrews as part of a nine-member group from the small village of Donchevo in north-east Bulgaria.

As well as watching all the Curtis Cup action, the group toured the Royal and Ancient Golf Clubhouse and also learned more about the sport's history, seeing sights such as the belt of Old Tom Morris and the Auld Claret Jug.

Tour manager, Rumen Todorov, told the Citizen the trip represented another step forward for the development of golf in Bulgaria.

In the Black Sea coastal town of Balchik, which is not far from Donchevo, golfing greats such as Gary Player and Ian Woosnam have designed new 18-hole golf courses.

Mr Todorov said a junior golf competition began last summer and children ranging in age from pre-school to late-teens were able to learn free of charge, regardless of their background.

He added: "We give all of them the equal opportunity and chance to play and have fun and have the possibility to play in the future at bigger tournaments."

Some of the group even picked up tips from Gary Player himself last August when they practised at his course.

Mr Todorov said the youngsters needed to see role models such as elite players to gain a sense of the opportunities available through golf.

The Curtis Cup offered plenty of role models and Mr Todorov thanked the Ladies' Golf Union director of championships, Susan Simpson, for helping them witness the tournament.

He added: "We wanted to be some kind of part of this unique event."

One of the visiting teenagers, Trifon Getsov (16), said the Curtis Cup had been incredible, particularly being able to follow the players during their rounds and seeing their professional attitude.

Trifon thanked Mr Todorov for giving him the opportunity to visit St Andrews and the Curtis Cup.

"These three days were unbelievable for me," he said.