Professionals, who are competing in The European Open from July 3-6, have praised The London Golf Club’s Heritage Course, following a Pro-Am last week.

Kent’s golfing hope Benn Barham, who recently came fourth at The Wales Open at Celtic Manor, shot one over par and said the championship course was playing tough.

“The fairways have been narrowed, the rough is thick and tall and, off the back tees, the course is now extremely long,” he said.

Barham, who is a regular at the club and shot 73 in the Pro-Am, added: “Any event at The London Golf Club is fantastic; it’s such a great venue.”

Zane Scotland, who regularly attends The London Golf Club for lessons with PGA Teaching Professional Scott Cranfield, commended the green keepers for getting the 7,254 yard course in such impeccable shape.

Scotland, who is attached to Kent’s Prince’s Golf Club, said: “I think the pros will really like it.

"The Heritage has a great infrastructure for galleries and a generally good layout. There’s a great mix of long and short holes.

"There should be good scoring at the European Open, although it will really depend on the wind up here.”

The winning professional in the Pro-Am, Gary Orr, shot four under par, 68.

He said: “There is nothing you can really fault out there.

"It’s going to be a good test of golf. The course is in great shape, although the rough is pretty penal.”

Constructive comments came from Anthony Wall, who shot 71.

“Hopefully it will be a bit firmer for the tournament so the ball runs further and then the long grass will come into play, which will make things a lot trickier," he said.

"This club deserves a tournament as it’s such a fantastic venue and a great course.”

Sky golf presenter Robert Lee said the course was in nice condition and he predicted a winning score in the European Open of -16 or better.

Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose and defending champion Colin Montgomerie are among the players who have committed to play in the European Open at The London Golf Club from July 3-6.

Spectators can get in free on the first day of the tournament.

For more details, go to www.europeantourtickets.com

Applying on-line entitles people with vouchers to a £10 reduction on one of the three other tournament days.

Seniors Citizens are £15 on the gate or £5 with the Free Ticket Thursday discount, under-16s and parking are free.