BURNHAM is set to receive a massive economic boost after it was announced that two major golf tournaments will be held in the town next year.

Burnham and Berrow Golf Club will host the Brabazon Trophy Championships in June, and the National R&A Championships in August – and also become the first venue to hold both events in the same year.

It has been estimated that the town could benefit by around �1million from the two tournaments as hundreds of players and members of their entourage visit the town.

More than 500 amateur-level golfers will take part in the two tournaments at the club, which was first founded in 1890.

Club chairman Michael Blight said: “It’s a big honour to be selected to host the two tournaments. We’ve hosted around 50 tournaments over the years, but never two in such a short space of time.

“We have estimated that these two tournaments could bring between �750,000 and �1million to Burnham, as there will be 274 competitors taking place, and each of them will have their entourage.”

Rhonda Mills, chairman of the town’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “It’s very welcome news and we are very proud to have such a golf course in the area that can host not one but two tournaments like this.

“It will be a big boost to the town if people who come to see what we have to offer through the tournament, and a particularly big boost for the hotels and restaurants in the town.”

Tessa Munt, MP for Burnham, said: “’I think it’s absolutely marvellous! It’s great to see that Burnham’s facilities are going to attract such great competitions to the area: it will benefit lots of local businesses from bed and breakfasts’ to tourist facilities and retailers in the high street.

“I know the people of Burnham will welcome these visitors as warmly as they welcome everybody else to this part of Somerset. Congratulations must go to the local golfing community for attracting these high profile events and I look forward to hopefully seeing more in the future.’’