Stellar field to feature at 2013 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Ernie Els, Darren Clarke, Charl Schwartzel and Martin Kaymer lead a classic line-up boasting no fewer than 12 major championship winners at the 2013 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Defending champion Branden Grace will also be returning to St Andrews, hoping to become the first golfer to win back-to-back Alfred Dunhill Links titles.

Taking place September 26 - 29, the championship celebrates links golf at its finest.

Played over three of the world's best-known and respected links courses - the Old Course at St Andrews, the Championship Course at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns Golf Links - the championship provides a stern test in often difficult conditions. 

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington will be going for a remarkable third win at the event.

"I am delighted to have won here twice. When I won in 2006, I knew on the 18th that I was in a comfortable position."

"Walking up the fairway knowing that I was going to win the tournament is a memory that will live with me forever," he said.

With a prize fund of $5 million, the championship incorporates two separate competitions.

There is the individual professional tournament, and a team event in which the professionals are paired with amateurs, usually celebrities and close friends or family.

Recent entrants from other sporting worlds include esteemed competitors such as Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Bobby Charlton, Johan Cruyff, Tim Henman, Sir Ian Botham and Shane Warne.

Entrants from the world of film and music will also feature. Actors Andy Garica, James Nesbitt and Hugh Grant will tee it up. As will Riverdance idol Michael Flatley and rock frontman Huey Lewis.

"It

is the amateur equivalent of the Open Championship - wonderful courses,

great format. It's my favourite tournament.

I love the banter with the galleries. Everything they say about golf

fans in Scotland is true. If you hit a good shot, you'll get applause," said Lewis.

Entry is free at all three courses on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

A ticket price of £20 - concessionary £15 - will be charged to view the final day's play at St Andrews.

Entry for under-16s and students is free.

Tickets are available through the ticket hotline on 0870 010 9021 or at the entrance gates.