ROCHESTER & Cobham Golf Club have been selected to host the regional qualifying competition for the 2004 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

The course has been chosen by the R&A to hold one of the 16 regional tournaments for the championships and, if the event is a success, they will be given the responsibility for another five years.

With players set to compete from all over Kent and Surrey, as well as other parts of the country and even from abroad, the club are looking forward to the tournament.

Club manager David Smith said: “We regard this as a tremendous honour. It puts the course onto another level. Nothing but good can come out of this for everyone, including the members.

"It will be of interest to them because they will see how the professionals and the best amateurs play the course.”

Club professional Iain Higgins and teenager Lloyd Campbell, who is currently studying and playing golf in America, are two players who will certainly be pleased with the decision after they both reached the final qualifying stages last year.

R&C will replace Wildernesse near Sevenoaks are the regional hosts.