Carlos Philippe Winsett-Palanca, the grandson of actress Liza Lorena and Carlos Palanca III, bested 32 other players from around the world in the Boys 7 and under category to win the title at the US Kids Golf European Championship held at the Kilspindie Golf Club in Scotland.
The seven year old Palanca was among the 400 boys and girls ages 6 to 14 who qualified for the tournament. The U.S. Kids Golf European Championship was played on May 26-28, 2009 on five of Scotland's historic golf courses – Gullane Golf Club No.2 & 3, Craigielaw Golf Club, Kilspindie Golf Club and Luffness New Golf Club. The competition took place for eight divisions for boys in categories of 7 & under and for each age group from 8 to 14; and 7 divisions for girls in categories of 8 & under and for each age group from 9 to 14 The top 5 finishers and ties in each age and gender group who meet the scoring requirements for the World Championship will automatically receive an invitation to the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in August 2009. The top five finishers in each age and gender group will also receive a trophy for their accomplishment.
Palanca scored 32, 34, 37 in the three round event with a total of 103 that just bested South African Kian Luke Rose who scored a 104 and defending champion Jake Craddock from the United Kingdom, who tied Rose for second place, also scoring 104. With the win, Palanca has put the Philippines in the Junior Golf circuit map and will next be competing in the prestigious Callaway Junior World Championships next month in San Diego, California.
