The Open champion Shane Lowry, world number 6 Jon Rahm, American Ryder Cup star Tony Finau, former Masters champion Danny Willett and two-time major champion Martin Kaymer are among the latest entries for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this year.

Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: Shane Lowry at the heart of an exceptional peloton

© Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

They join a world-class field that includes Rory McIlroy (2nd), Justin Rose (4th) and Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els, Graeme McDowell, Trevor Immelman and Michael Campbell, the current European Ryder Cup captain.

Lowry said: “I still love playing Alfred Dunhill Links, it's a different kind of tournament, done with really interesting amateurs - it's mostly fun and coming back to the Old Course as the winner of The Open is something which I will really appreciate. "

Other big names in the discipline include two-time finalist Tommy Fleetwood, two-time finalist Tyrrell Hatton, two-time Alfred Dunhill Links champion and 2003 winner Lee Westwood, who was in great shape by finishing fourth at The Open. in Portrush. Dane Lucas Bjerregaard will be back to defend his title.

Fleetwood, who finished second at The Open at the Royal Portrush in July, said: “I've always loved the Old Course, and the city, since I played the Links Trophy as an amateur. There are places in town where there are pictures of guys sitting on the Swilken Bridge with the Dunhill Trophy. I have been so close that I would love to have my pic up there too. "

They are joined by a group of England players including Ross Fisher, who finished second in 2016 and 2017, when he set the current record of 61 on the Old Course, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Eddie Pepperell and Matt Wallace, who has finished third at this year's US PGA Championship.

The very popular Luke Donald also returns with Chinese star Li Haotong, winner of last year's Team Championship with WeChat inventor Allen Zhang.

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, is a premier golf event, taking place on three of the largest and most historic courses in the world - the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

This is the 35th year that Alfred Dunhill has supported golf at St Andrews, through the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and previously the Alfred Dunhill Cup. Millions of dollars have been raised for charity through the work of the Alfred Dunhill Links Foundation.

The Championship, which runs from September 26-29, features two separate competitions - an individual professional tournament for the world's best golfers and the Team Championship, in which professionals are paired with amateur players, creating a unique atmosphere and camaraderie. .

Among the amateurs already confirmed are great sportsmen like Sir Steve Redgrave, Kevin Pietersen, Shane Warne, Luis Figo, Ruud Gullit, Vinnie Jones, Jamie Redknapp, Andriy Shevchenko and Sir Anthony (AP) McCoy, as well as Justin Timberlake, Ronan Keating , Brian McFadden and Piers Morgan.

Admission is free for all spectators during the first three days, the final tickets for the day of Sunday, September 29 are on sale at the entrance gates for € 22 (reduced price of € 16,75) or in advance here.