British golf legend Tony Jacklin will host the British Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall in August.

The two-time major winner has accepted an invitation from the hotel's owner, Rick Cressman, who first suggested the idea to Jacklin eight years ago. Now, at last, the man who led Europe in four Ryder Cups against the Americans – including that famous 1995 success at nearby The Belfry – will fly from his home in Florida to guarantee record crowds turning up for the Nailcote festival of golf from August 4-7.

This is the 75th anniversary of the short course championship, which began at Torquay’s Palace Hotel in 1933, and Cressman has chosen the occasion to honour Seniors Tour star Tommy Horton, just as he did Max Faulkner in previous years.

Cressman said: “Tony Jacklin was my boyhood golfing hero and I am thrilled to bits he is following in the footsteps of the man who was his predecessor as a British Open champion.” Jacklin, pictured, said: “Being invited to host the British Par 3 Championship is a fantastic honour. “I am looking forward to enjoying all four days of golf at this unique event in the company of European Tour golfers, PGA professionals and golfing enthusiasts from across the UK.”

The Numark Par 3 Championship will take place on August 5-6, and is again expected to attract two dozen or more European Tour players.

On the Monday, there will be a gala dinner in honour of Horton, after a celebrity-am team event, and the week will be rounded off on August 7 with a charity celebrity-am, featuring sports stars including Peter Schmeichel, Peter Shilton and Willie Thorne.

Visit the British Par 3 Championships website www.britishpar3championship.co.uk