A HOST of the world's top young amateur golfers will be in the county next week for the 90th playing of the Boys Amateur Championship.

Defending champion Marcus Svensson is among those taking part in the event, to be played at Muirfield and the Renaissance Club, at Archerfield.

The youngster will hope to make it a hat-trick of Swedish successes next week, with fellow countryman Oskar Bergqvist having lifted the trophy two years ago.

More than 250 golfers will take part, with 23 countries represented on Scotland's Golf Coast at the championship, which tees off on Tuesday.

Johnnie Cole-Hamilton, executive director – championships at The R&A, who organise the event, said it is "a real highlight in the golf calendar."

He added: “Muirfield and Renaissance Club are both highly regarded links courses and we anticipate a week of top quality golf from a strong international field.

"The event is an excellent opportunity for the players to gain experience of competing in a high level event and for spectators to come along and see potential stars of the future.”

Many of the world’s top players have competed in the championship including former champions Jose Maria Olazabal (1983), Sergio Garcia (1997) and Matthew Fitzpatrick (2012).

The list of former entrants also includes Open champions Rory McIlroy, and Padraig Harrington, along with Masters champion Danny Willett.

The first stage comprises two qualifying rounds of stroke play, one on each course, before the 64 players with the lowest scores and ties for 64th place progress to the match play stage at Muirfield.

Each match will consist of 18 holes except the final which will be played over 36 holes.

Admission and parking is free at both venues.

For full details, visit championships.randa.org.