Ashford Golf Club has been given the distinction of staging England Golf’s 2019 South of England Regional Qualifier.

The club, based Sandyhurst Lane, will host the event for the first time on Saturday, July 13, when Kent will battle it out alongside 10 other counties.

Teams comprise the best six amateur golfers from each county, who will compete over 36 holes, with the winners going through to represent the Southern Region in the finals.

The tournament is regarded as one of the most prestigious team events to play in and Ashford were chosen as hosts after being approached by the county.

The club have previously held county events including a colts match against Hampshire.

Chris Wood has been head PGA professional at Ashford since September 2017 and he says the club are proud to be hosts. He explained that organisers visited the course in mid-December and liked what they saw.

He added: “We’re a well established club and the course offers a real test to golfers. It was in good nick when they visited in December because we’ve had a good winter but it will be even better by the summer.

‘We look forward to making this event very special’

“We are very pleased that England Golf consider Ashford as one of the best courses in Kent for hosting this important tournament.

“I am sure those from all counties will rise to the challenge of playing a course that requires accuracy and good course management skills.

“We have already had a number of the various county players requesting several practice rounds so that they can analyse the best way to approach each hole – it won’t be a pushover, and they are very much aware of this!

“We look forward to making this event very special for those competing and those who wish to support the event on the day.

“Spectators are more than welcome to visit the club to watch high-level golf at its best being played by some who may become the stars of the future.”

The tournament will be followed by a dinner and presentation for all competitors and team officials in the evening

For more details about the event, contact Chris Wood on 01233 622655 or email: office@ashfordgolfclub.co.uk

For website and membership enquiries go to: www.ashfordgolfclub.co.uk