Three courses in Kent, including two within the district council area, are named alongside others in Britain and Ireland.

Cllr Nigel Collor, chairman of The Open Golf Project Executive, said: "This is excellent news as we continue to prepare to host the return of The Open to Sandwich in July 2011.

"It confirms that this area is an outstanding golf destination and has the product to attract significant numbers of golfers pre and post The Open Championship. We are very proud to be in an area offering some of the leading facilities for golfers on a national and international stage."

The website www.top100golfcourses.co.uk includes Royal St George's at Sandwich at number 11 as well as the Royal Cinque Ports at Deal at 47 and also lists the top 100 courses in England, which includes five courses in Kent, with Royal St George's at number two, Royal Cinque Ports at 19, as well as Prince's at Sandwich.

It has been estimated that The Open Championship to Royal St George's in July 2011 is set to bring about 200,000 visitors and a big multi million pound boost to the area.

Partner authorities working together on The Open Golf Project are Dover District Council, the county council, Canterbury City Council, Shepway District Council and Thanet District Council, with Kent Police and other partners.

* For more details about the July tournament visit www.opengolfsandwich.co.uk