Angus is set for a tourism boost when the World Hickory Golf Open returns to the area later this year.
More than 90 golfers from around the globe took part in last year’s tournament, which was played across Monifieth Medal and Carnoustie Burnside.
This year an optional warm-up match will take place at Monifieth Ashludie on September 30, with the competition taking place over two rounds played across Montrose Medal on October 1 and 2.
World Hickory Open chairman Lionel Freedman said returning to Angus was an easy decision to make.
He said: “The 2012 event was superb. The links courses were first class, the choice of accommodation was very good and the support we received from the Carnoustie Country team was second to none.
“The 2013 event promises to be a resounding success. Montrose Medal is the fifth-oldest golf course in the world and many of the world golfing greats having played there.
“Playing magnificent, historic links courses like this attracts hickory golfers who will grasp the opportunity to play on a course where golf has been played for over 450 years.
“This should encourage even higher numbers of hickory golfers to enter this tournament than in previous years.”
The competition costs £200 to enter, which includes a malt whisky tasting and gala dinner.
Male golfers play off a handicap of 18 and ladies off 24 as they tackle the links course. Clubs must either date from before 1935 or be made to replicate clubs made from before this date.
Mr Freedman expects a large number of international golfers to again make a special trip to Scotland for the event.
He continued: “As well as high numbers of British golfers, we’re expecting large contingents of Swiss and Swedish hickory golfers.
“A team from South Africa enjoyed last year’s tournament so much, I expect them to return. The reaction from the American hickory golfers last year was fantastic.
“Hopefully they will come back with lots of their golfing friends.”
Rick Woeckener was one of several US golfers who took part last year.
He said: “I had a great time. It was most definitely the classiest hickory tournament I’ve played in and now that I’ve been introduced to true links golf, I’ll make a better showing next time.”
Entry information about the event can be found at worldhickoryopen.com.