Philip Golding has confirmed he will defend the Travis Perkins Masters at Woburn Golf Club next month with the tournament benefiting from an increase in prize money.

The 55-year-old from Bushey won his fourth Staysure Tour title last year when he edged out American Clark Dennis and Ireland’s Brendan McGovern in dramatic fashion, and if Golding successfully retains his title he will win £57,000.

That represents a £3,000 increase on his 2017 prize, with the overall fund rising by £20,000 to £380,000 for the tournament which takes place from August 31 to September at the Bedfordshire club’s Duke’s Course.

Golding, who finished tied 28th in last week’s U.S. Senior Open in Colorado, said: “I am looking forward immensely to defending my title in September.

"Thanks to Travis Perkins, one of our longest active sponsors, and the Duke of Bedford, this event creates an atmosphere that is second to none.

“As players, we are delighted to see the Staysure Tour going from strength to strength, with a new umbrella sponsor, more tournaments coming on stream and improved prize money.

He continued: “The Duke’s Course is a perfect venue for senior golf; the weather has tended to be kind to us and the public have turned out in large numbers to spectate. The tented village is compact, close to the clubhouse, first tee and 18th green and generates a really nice atmosphere.

“There is nothing better than playing in a top-class tournament with a good ambience and lots of people watching at a world class venue steeped in tournament history, having hosted over 55 professional tournaments across its three courses, the Duke’s, Duchess and Marquess.”

Golding triumphed last year having been seven shots behind Dennis with 11 holes to play, but a combination of the Bushey golfer’s fine play and a disappointing finish by the American saw him win through.

He recalled: “I was four strokes behind going into the final round and I thought I was playing for second place after dropping seven behind, despite birdieing two of the first five holes. However, for some reason, things didn’t go well for Clark and I just kept going.

“You never know what can happen in golf and, sure enough, the cards fell my way when I birdied the 16th and Clark had a third double bogey at the same hole.”

There is no admission charge for the first day of this year’s event, with a ‘Free Friday’ taking place to mark 15 years of sponsorship by Travis Perkins Tickets for September 1 and 2 are £10 in advance from www.europeantour.com/tickets and £15 on the gate. Under-16s are admitted free.