HILTON HEAD, S.C. -- The island of Hilton Head South Carolina will host its largest golf tournament ever when the Amateur Golf Tour conducts its 2007 National Championship in late October.

A field of approximately 600 golfers from across the country will converge on the island Oct. 27-28 for the tour's national finals. The championship will be contested on a half dozen courses, including three at Palmetto Dunes Resort (Robert Trent Jones, George Fazio, and Arthur Hills) and two at Port Royal Plantation. The sixth course is Oyster Reef Golf Club in Hilton Head Plantation.

This marks the second straight year the AGT has hosted its national championship of golf on Hilton Head Island SC. Last year's event drew just under 500 golfers and encompassed five courses. The overall champion was Joe Jaspers of Charlotte, N.C., who fired a course-record 67 on the Trent Jones course at Palmetto Dunes in the final round.

"We expect another competitive tournament throughout all five flights. Guys are grinding these last weeks of the season to earn enough points to qualify for the National Championship," said tour president Dennis McCormac. "The players who came last year really enjoyed Hilton Head. In addition to world-class golf, it offers terrific beaches, restaurants and activities."

The record number of participants will be gunning for a total purse of at least $15,000 in gift certificates in the 36-hole stroke play championship. In addition to the Saturday and Sunday rounds, golfers have the opportunity to arrive early for practice rounds from Oct. 22-26.

For information on the Amateur Golf Tour's 2007 National Championship, visit www.amateurgolftour.net or call (704) 844-8264.