Having staged the Irish Amateur Close Championship last month, Belvoir, with its splendid new clubhouse, is now looking forward to welcoming the world's best blind golfers for the prestigious tournament on August 10-12.

Held every two years, the event comes to Northern Ireland for the first time and will feature over 50 competitors, including current world champions Simon Cookson from England and Australia's Jenny McCallum.

The players use a sighted coach or guide to give verbal information about each hole, help with club selection and then place the club head directly behind the ball. From then on it's down to the blind golfers' swing. The competition is broken into three classes determined by the golfer's level of sight.

One of the driving forces behind bringing the championships to Belfast was Comber's Jan Dinsdale, ranked third in the world and the current women's USA Open champion.

"The last two championships were held in Tokyo and Melbourne so it is a special honour and something of a coup for Europe and Belfast to be chosen, " said Dinsdale, who will be hoping for a win on home turf. "We're extremely grateful to Belvoir Park Golf Club and its special committee for all their tremendous support. Their course is in excellent condition and will present our golfers with a real challenge."

Former Olympic gold medalist Mary Peters was among the guests at yesterday's launch.

"I am delighted to lend my support to this unique event and to congratulate all those involved in bringing it to Northern Ireland," said Peters.

Belvoir captain Keith Harper said: "We have been investing significantly in developing our course over recent years. It is true championship standard and we look forward to an exciting competition."