20th outing of Footballers' Golf Classic at La Manga

Liverpool, Celtic and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish will be one of a host of former champions who will be contesting the 20th edition of the popular Footballers’ Golf Classic this summer.

Single-figure handicapper Dalglish has won the title three times at La Manga but faces one of the strongest challenges ever in the competition’s history if he is to lift the trophy again when the event, sponsored by John Griffin, takes place from June 4-9.

Among the field targeting further success at La Manga Club will be previous double winners, former Aston Villa and Scotland striker turned Sky Sports commentator Alan McInally and ex-Millwall and Wales striker Steve Lovell, chasing his third victory in the last six years.

Defending champion Kenny Hibbitt – who won at the 13th time of asking last year – Pat Jennings, Russell Osman and Fraser McLachlan will also be aiming for more glory, while the likes of former Arsenal, Juventus and Republic of Ireland star Liam Brady and ex-England internationals Darius Vassell, Mark Wright, Ray Clemence, Dave Beasant and Kevin Davies – making his debut – are also set to feature.

The desire for UK golfers to visit La Manga Club has proved as strong as ever this year with all 45 team places for the 2016 event selling out nine months before it is staged on the resort’s South and North courses.

The golf classic will feature four days of competitive golf: the one-day Alan Ball Trophy and the three-day main event, which is being personally sponsored by John Griffin, former chairman of previous sponsors Addison Lee and who has played in the event every year, with competitors playing in teams of three alongside a different footballer each day.

For more on golf and football click here or on the image below to find out how Gareth Bale injured himself playing golf.