LEWISTON, New York (July 26, 2011) -- Niagara Falls Country Club is set to host the 53rd Annual Porter Cup with one of the strongest fields in the tournament's history.

The field is once again comprised of a collection of the world’s best collegiate and mid-amateur golfers. Players from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Germany and South Africa will be vying to have their name engraved on the Alexander L. Porter Cup.

2010 Porter Cup Champion David Chung will return to the Niagara Frontier to defend his title. Chung will be joined by 2011 Nationwide Tour winner and US Open participant Russell Henley, 2011 NCAA Champion John Peterson (Peterson was a runner-up Sunday on the Nationwide Tour, the winner of that event, Harris English, is also in the field) and 2011 British Amateur Champion Bryden Macpherson.

Three-time US Mid-Amateur Champion and 2009 US Walker Cup Team member Nathan Smith returns to NFCC for his eighth Porter Cup. Smith is joined by perennial mid-amateur contenders Mike McCoy and Skip Berkmeyer.

Junior sensation and Pittsford, NY native Gavin Hall leads the local contingent of players. As a 15-year old, Hall thrilled the galleries with a runner-up finish in the 2010 Porter Cup. Last year’s final round co-leader and recent Binghamton graduate Jake Katz from Williamsville returns to improve upon his top ten finish.

Many players in the field will be looking to impress 2011 US Walker Cup Captain Jim Holtgrieve who is expected to attend the tournament to assess potential team members. The United States will take on their amateur counterparts from Great Britain and Ireland in the 43rd bi-annual match scheduled for September 10-11 on the Balgownie Links of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland. Results and stories will be posted daily on amateurgolf.com.