WILMINGTON--One of Wilmington's more challenging golf courses played host to a group of young golfers on Saturday.  The Country Club of Landfall hosted its first Carolina Junior Golf Skills Challenge on its Nicklaus course.

"It's really exciting because I really like the course, especially the speeds on the greens." Sarah Funderburg, a 12-year-old golfer who competed in the event.

More than 45 kids ages 5-17 participated in the event where the young golfers practiced putting and chipping in addition to mastering their swings on the driving range.

"By doing these types of things, it helps us get precision in them," explained Carolina Cahill, a 12 year old golfer who participated in the challenge. "If those skills are good when you're playing, then you will shoot better."

Sara Bush, the head golf professional for Country Club of Landfall, created the event to give young golfers in the Wilmington area more opportunities to hone their skills

"It's great, you can see the joy on their faces when they sink a put or hit a long drive." said Bush. "That's definitely what it's all about, that early exposure."

Bush's goal for the Carolina Junior Golf Skills Challenge is to make the event a summertime tradition for kids and the country club.