South African amateur golf champion Thriston Lawrence will be amongst the favourites when the Brabazon Trophy gets underway at the Seaton Crew Golf Club from June 22 to June 25.

The 17-year-old won the Lytham Trophy in Lancashire last month and could emulate countryman Charl Schwartzel, who also won the Brabazon Trophy at the age of 17 in 2002.

Lawrence has been paired at Seaton with defending champion Jordan Smith and another highly-rated English golfer, Ryan Evans. The trio are out group six at 7.50am on Wednesday and 12.20pm on Thursday.

Smith won the tournament by four strokes in Formby a year ago, ending Neil Raymond’s two-year reign, while Evans is also a strong competitor following his recent success in Australia.

The field of 150 will contain some of the best amateur golfers from Great Britain, France, South Africa, Denmark, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Turkey.

The Brabazon Trophy is played over 72 holes over four days, 18 holes played on each of the days.

After 36 holes the leading 60 competitors and ties for 60th place play a further 18 holes on the third day and fourth day. The winner shall be the competitor returning the lowest score over 72 holes.