A VERWOOD golf club will host the Dorset County Championship for the first time in its history. 

Crane Valley Golf Club, Verwood, will hold the event over three days from May 24 to 27.

The club has labelled the championship as the 'premier' tournament for amateur golfers in the county. 

Head of golf at Crane Valley Golf Club, James Slade, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the opportunity to host next year’s Dorset County Championship. This is the county’s most prestigious competition, and to be selected as a host is a huge achievement.

"We have invested heavily in recent years to improve our offering and our team has worked incredibly hard improving golf course conditions, clubhouse amenities, and customer service levels.”

Over the past 12 months, the club has invested heavily to improve its facilities and grounds for its members. 

This has included improving course drainage, upgrading bunkers, creating a new putting and short game area, and introducing trackman range technology

County secretary, Sean Whelan said: “Crane Valley will offer a unique test to our elite players, scoring will hopefully be impressive, and who knows, maybe a new course record.

"Spectators are always welcome at Dorset County events, so put the date in your diary, and we will see you at Crane Valley.”

The County Championship is known as the pinnacle of the Dorset amateur golf calendar, with the best players in the county pitting their skills to win the coveted 100-year-old trophy.

Crane Valley Golf Club is owned by Hoburne Golf and has a total of 27 holes on offer and a floodlit driving range. 

The club has an 18-hole course, a nine-hole course, and a three-hole course alongside a two-tiered clubhouse with a large outdoor patio offering views across the courses. 

Four trophies are available to win in the county championships including the Graham Butler Trophy, R.E Garrett Silver Salver, SIKA Trophy, Luffman Cup, and Team Championship Cup. 

A total of 60 players are allowed to play with entries closed. 

For more information visit CVGC's website.