MELBOURNE, Oct. 23 -- The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club in Hong Kong has been confirmed as the host venue for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), organizers announced during the sixth staging of the championship here on Thursday.

"All of us in Hong Kong who share a love of golf should be very proud to have been selected as the host," said Li Ning, President of the Hong Kong Golf Association (HKGA).

The AAC, which is being played at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club this week, is scheduled from October 1 to October 4 next year.

"It will be an honor and a privilege to show the region our wonderful city and showcase one of the area's most beautiful and challenging courses, " said Li.

The 2015 event will mark the first time the championship has been held in Hong Kong. Clearwater Bay is located in the New Territories, and the golf course is divided into two parts, namely the Highland Nine and the Ocean Nine.

Wyman Li, Chairman of Clearwater Bay, said, "The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is, without question, the elite amateur competition in our region, with unmatched rewards that continue to inspire players to reach their dreams. We are delighted to serve as hosts and are committed to growing the profile of the event in every way possible."

Organized by the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament and The R&A, the AAC offers the winner an invitation to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

The champion and runner(s)-up earn spots in The Open Qualifying Series for The Open Championship.

This week's AAC features 116 players from the APGC's 35 member associations.