MORE than 80 of Australia’s best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander amateur golfers will compete next week in the 2013 National Championships, which begin on Monday at the Federal Golf Course in Red Hill.

The championships, which have been running for more than 33 years, are regarded as the major tournament for Indigenous golfers throughout Australia.

The tournament’s Chairperson Malcolm Towney says the Centenary of Canberra, Golf Australia and the ACT National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Golf Championships Committee, have worked hard to bring the tournament to Canberra for the first time.

“The event provides an opportunity for old friends and golfing foes to go head to head to become Australia’s best Indigenous male and female amateur golfers,” he says.

The defending champion is Michael Bell, who last year became the first Aboriginal amateur player to compete in the Australian Open.

The tournament will begin with a traditional welcome to country and an opportunity for players to have a practice round on November 17. People who would like to see some of Australia’s best Indigenous golfers will be able to join course galleries over the four days of the event.

The championships conclude with a dinner and presentation to be held on 22 November at the Federal Golf Course.