PRESTATYN Golf Club will host the best amateur players in the country for a prestigious tournament.

The Welsh Amateur Championship, which has been running for 120 years, will take place at the club from Monday, July 27, and organisers have implemented plenty of changes ahead of this year’s event.

Chris Owens, course manager, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event.

“We have a long history of hosting top level amateur events for the Golf Union of Wales and we are looking forward to seeing the best Welsh amateur players compete at our club.

“The course is in excellent condition and will provide a really good test for everyone.”

This year’s tournament will start with 36 holes of stroke play, from which the leading 32 players will go forward to the match play stages.

Entries include all eight members of the current Welsh National Squad including Evan Griffith, who will be attempting to defend the title he won last year at Pyle and Kenfig.

Ben Waterhouse, director of performance at Golf Union Wales, said: “The new format will increase the competitive intensity right from the start of the event.

“Only a third of the entrants will make it through to the match play stages so everyone will have to play well under pressure just to reach the second stage.”

Local interest will come from father and son John and David Williams who will be flying the flag for the home club alongside Lee Williams.

They will be trying to repeat the success of Prestatyn golfer Jason Shufflebotham, who took home the trophy in 2011 and 2012.

The club will also play host to this year's Senior Ladies’ British Open Amateur Championship.

Visitors are welcome to attend.