HUNDREDS of the world’s media were at Royal Troon for the 145th Open.

But two 11-year-old from Ayr gave them a run for their money by interviewing Colin Montgomerie and Nicola Sturgeon for TV giants Sky on the opening day of the championship on Thursday.

Grammar Primary Pupils Lee Mitchell and Mia Sterlini had been hand-picked from 100 rivals to grab a stint as a reporter at the top event after standing out at the Sky Academy in Livingston.

And they were put through their paces, more than proving their worth during two top interviews during their unique challenge.

Lee asked the First Minister who she was backing to win the event, and she confessed she would like to see the title go to local golfing hero Colin Montgomerie, who they had earlier interviewed.

He told the Advertiser: “She said she wanted him to win because he is local. She said it would be a dream come true for her if he could do it.”

“I also asked her how important it was for this area, and Scotland, to be hosting the Open - one of the four major championships in the world.”

Showing an awareness of recent news, Mia, meanwhile, asked Ms Sturgeon about the decision Royal Troon had taken recently to admit women members into their club.

She added: “I just felt this was an important issue. It is not fair if women don’t get to do the same things as men.”

Following their debut, Charles Paterson, Sky Sports’ reporter for Scotland, joked to the room: “I’m sacked.”

He told the Advertiser: “People can be quite intimated by TV and it’s not an easy medium to work in, you need to come over as relaxed and natural.

“Lee and Mia were particularly natural and that’s why they were chosen. They did a great job today.”

Speaking about their adventure afterwards, Mia said: “I think it is an amazing experience to meet the First Minister and all these famous people in golf, because it is a really big sport. I can’t believe I was picked to do this out of 100 people”.

Giving his verdict Lee said; “It has been fun to get to know people and get their thoughts on things. But it’s quite tricky.”

The experience hadn’t put him off a future in journalism, however. 
He confessed: “I would like to be a reporter. ...and a paleontologist.”