Island this week to take part in the second annual Bermuda Masters International Golf Classic.

Elder won't actually compete in the event but will play a round of golf with a different group of golfers each day during the 54-hole competition.

Play begins at Port Royal on Thursday, continues at Belmont on Friday and winds up at Castle Harbour on Saturday. An awards banquet is scheduled for Saturday evening at Sonesta Beach Hotel.

Among other celebrities arriving are former NFL players Eddie Payton, who was the runner-up last year, Matt Blair and William Andrews, baseball's Hall of Famer Ernie Banks and host of BET's Video Soul, Donnie Simpson.

The tournament, organised jointly by US-based Events International and the Bermuda Department of Tourism, is aimed at encouraging Americans to explore business opportunities on the Island as well as mix with Bermudians on the golf course.

A number of business seminars are planned, including a "Power Breakfast'' on Thursday morning featuring business expert Reginald Williams whose clients include several of the US Fortune 500 companies.

Defending tournament champion, Barry DeCouto will be in the field again as will Dorothy Burgess who lifted the women's title last year.

Defending champions Bank of Bermuda retained their title in the third annual Advertising Invitational golf tournament at Belmont last Friday. The foursome of Max Bascombe, Chris Galt, Tony Readwin and Terrett West won the captain's choice event with an 11-under par total of 59.