World No 1 Rory McIlroy is to play in next month’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in a strong field which also includes US Open champion Martin Kaymer.
The two players, who will represent Europe at the Ryder Cup the week before, have had brilliant summers.
McIlroy won back-to-back majors at the Open at Hoylake and the US PGA at Valhalla, and also won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, while Kaymer claimed The Players Championship at Sawgrass.
Other major champions in the field include Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel.
Scotland will be well represented by two former winners Stephen Gallacher, winner in 2004, and Scotland’s leading player, ranked 34th in the world, and Colin Montgomerie.
Monty, the victor in 2005, has won two senior majors this year and, fresh from back-to-back victories on the European Seniors Tour, he said: “To win four times is great, especially the two in America, that was big for me, to finally win two majors.
“I think I’ve got my confidence back again and I’m holing putts. I think the iron shots, the putting, the chipping is as good as it ever was, in fact I think it’s almost better. I’m really looking forward to the Alfred Dunhill Links.”
Defending champion David Howell will be returning, hoping to become the first golfer to win back-to-back titles.
He said: “It will be lovely to come back as defending champion. It’s a real privilege and I shall enjoy every moment of it.
“The win last year was a long time coming, seven years after my previous win and I could not have wished for a better place to do it than St Andrews.”
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which takes place from October 2-5, is played over the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
Entrance will be free at all three courses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
A ticket price of £20 (concessionary £15) will be charged for the final day’s play over the Old Course on Sunday October 5.
Entry for under 16s and students is free. Tickets are available through the ticket hotline on 0844 581 4922 or at the gates.