he 2009 HSBC Wee Wonders Championships will be holding a Local Qualifying event at Monmouth Golf Club.

This grassroots golf programme, the biggest in the UK and Ireland for 5-12 year olds, provides participants with the opportunity to challenge themselves in a fun, competitive environment.

Since HSBC began sponsoring the programme in 2003, participation has grown each year and it is expected that 5,500 young golfers will register this year for 140 local qualifying events.

The programme is played on par three golf courses throughout the UK and Ireland. It adopts the "flag format" of competition. Competitors have 36 strokes to play the golf course, and they place a flag where their 36th shot finishes.

The winners from each age category are those that have got round the course the furthest, nearest to the hole. They then proceed to the corresponding Regional Final, with the winners from there reaching the Grand Final at St. Andrews, Scotland.

HSBC Wee Wonders competitors have had the opportunity to participate in several high profile events including being part of the HSBC World Match Play Pro-Am in 2005, 2006, 2007, and in 2008 they had the opportunity to play with top professionals including Colin Montgomerie, Paul Casey, and Retief Goosen at an HSBC Festival of Golf at Turnberry, Scotland

Giles Morgan, HSBC's Group Head of Sponsorship, said "HSBC Wee Wonders gives thousands of children up to the age of 12 the chance to compete and develop their golf skills, and, of course, the lucky finalists have the opportunity to play at St. Andrews and experience the heritage of the game of golf. We can think of no better way to encourage young people to participate."

Whether your young golfer is aspiring to play on the PGA Tour or just enjoys being out on the course, HSBC Wee Wonders is designed to suit children of all abilities.

Perhaps two-time winner, six year old Ebonie Lewis, sums it up best – after stating that she would like to be the next world champion she also comments she likes golf because "it's fun."