A record number of some of the world’s best amateur golfers will tee off in this week’s Riversdale Cup tournament.

More than 200 men and women nominated to contest the four-day, 72-hole event which starts at the Mt Waverley course on Thursday, March 7.

Golfers from nine countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Korea, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand, China and Hong Kong will vie for the title, points for which count towards their world amateur ranking.

Last year’s winners, Jack Thompson from South Australia and Rebecca Kay from Queensland (both pictured) are returning to defend their titles.

Riversdale’s general manager, Christian Tanner, said the club was delighted with the response to the tournament.

“We have had to narrow the men’s side of the draw to 120 places and the women to 48,” he said.

“The field contains the next wave of world-class professional golfers.”

“The Riversdale Cup is recognised as one of the leading amateur golfing events in the country and the numbers nominating to play reflect that fact.”

The history of men’s Riversdale Cup pre-dates almost all other major golf events held in this country including the Australian Open and Victorian Amateur, having been first played in 1896. The women’s Riversdale Cup was first played in 1959 and has been played in conjunction with the men’s championship since 2013.

There is no charge for entry to the course over the four days of the championship.

Please click here to the view the round one draw