Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich is celebrating after the announcement that it will be hosting the 2017 Amateur Championship.

This will be the 14th time the club will has hosted the championship, with the qualifying rounds being played at Prince’s Golf Club in Sandwich Bay.

Royal St George’s club secretary Col Tim Checketts said: “We are delighted – we have a long-standing tradition to support the best quality amateur golf.

“It is the 14th occasion and it will be a very good week for quality golf in Kent.

“There is bound to be a bit of a roll over of supporters, partners and families spending money on drink and hotels. The crowds are probably numbered in the hundreds rather than the thousands but we will have a merry gang.

“It is a great honour and we hope for a smashing tournament.”

Royal St George’s, where Darren Clarke won The Open Championship in 2011, last held the Amateur Championship in 2006 when Frenchman Julien Guerrier defeated Adam Gee, from Leatherhead, by 4&3 in the 36-hole final.

Among the winners of the championship at Royal St George’s are the great amateurs John Ball Junior, Freddie Tait and Harold Hilton.

The hope is that the competition will attract crowds and tourists.

Col Checketts added: “People will come down and see what a nice part of Kent it is.”

Mayor of Sandwich Paul Graeme said: “I think that this event is a great honour for Sandwich to host and will be good for both Royal St George’s and of course Sandwich – which will see an influx of visitors to take advantage not only of the competition but also the attractions which our unique medieval town has to offer.

“The town looks forward very much to this prestigious event.”

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director of championships at The R&A, golf’s governing body, said: “I’m sure the players will enjoy the challenge and that spectators will take the opportunity to come and watch some top class amateur golf.”