A GREENOCK schoolgirl was given a golf souvenir to treasure after meeting superstar Sergio Garcia.

Young Molly Irvine was handed a signed golf ball by the Spanish Ryder Cup player during a memorable trip to Gleneagles ahead of the tournament, won on Sunday evening by Europe.

Molly was among a lucky group of Aileymill Primary pupils who had won a competition to visit the Centenary Course in Perthshire on practice day.

Twenty kids from P6 and P7 clamoured to spot the stars at the 18th hole after they completed their practice round on Wednesday.

Teacher Sharon Tucker: “It was one of Garcia’s own golf balls — they are extremely valuable and for him to sign it was really unusual.

“When the players came down they were trying to push through the crowd and there was a great excitement about the place.

“All of the children got a signature from someone, but the challenge of the day was to get Stephen Gallacher’s, as he was the only Scot in the European team.

“He and Jamie Donaldson signed autographs for ages, along with Garcia.

“The players were all lovely, and the kids even got a wave from Bubba Watson from the American team.

“They absolutely loved it.” Mrs Tucker entered a competition on Aileymill’s behalf run by event sponsors Standard Life.

A total of 90 schools across Scotland entered, with just three schools selected to be invited to the course.

Headteacher Isabel Lind said: “They will remember it all their lives.

“I’m told Sergio Garcia does not normally autograph his own golf ball so it’s a very valuable souvenir.”