Walton Heath to host 2017 European Amateur

Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey will host one of amateur golf’s top events when it stages the European Men’s Amateur Championship in 2017.

The championship will be played on club’s Old Course from 28 June to 1 July, 2017, and will be contested by 144 of Europe’s leading amateurs, representing around 20 countries. The winner is rewarded with a place in The Open Championship.

Former champions include Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Stephen Gallacher and Victor Dubuisson, as well as England’s current number one amateur, Ashley Chesters. The 25-year-old from Hawkstone Park is the only player to have won back-to-back titles with victories in 2013 and 2014.

England Golf Championship Director James Crampton said: “We are delighted to host this prestigious event and thrilled to be able to hold it at Walton Heath. The Old Course is superb and one of the best inland courses in the country. It will provide a great test for the players and will be an excellent venue for spectators. Admission will be free to this event and we expect to welcome large crowds of visitors to watch fantastic golf from Europe’s top amateurs and the professional stars of the future.”

Stuart Christie, Walton Heath’s secretary, commented: “Walton Heath has a proud history of hosting major amateur and professional tournaments and is delighted to have been chosen to host the European Amateur Championship in 2017. We look forward to working closely with England Golf and welcoming the top amateur golfers from around Europe.”

Visitors can play the Old Course at Walton Heath for £75 on weekdays, and £95 at the weekend. For bookings click here.