More than a hundred lady golfers from the US, Canada and the Caribbean have flown into Bermuda this week to take part in the 17th annual Kitty Michael International Invitational Tournament.

It marks the first time since 1981 that Bermuda has hosted the popular event, which this year will take place over three days at Belmont, Riddell's Bay and Belmont again.

Bermuda, as usual, will be among the favourites.

Back in 1981, the hosts won both the gross and net trophies as Diana Diel stole individual honours in both categories. Since then, while the event has travelled from one Caribbean island to another and through Florida, New Jersey and Canada, Bermuda's team have almost always returned with some of the silverware.

Again this week, they enter the tournament as defending gross champions, having lifted the Balandra Cup in Puerto Rico a year ago. On that occasion they were also runners-up in the net division for which the winners receive the Bermuda Bowl.

Of the 14 teams which competed in Puerto Rico, 12 will be taking part this week -- Bermuda, Baltusrol (New Jersey), Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Lyford Cay Club (Bahamas), Ocean Reef Club (Florida), Puerto Rico, Southeast Florida, Southwest Florida, St.Croix, St.Thomas/St.John and Summerlea (Canada). All the visiting teams will be staying at Belmont.

Bermuda will be led by single figure handicappers Pat Morgan (6) and Judithanne Outerbridge (7), the latter having won the individual net title in St.Croix in 1985 and the gross title in Southwest Florida in 1990 and at Summerlea Golf Club in Canada in 1992.

Other former winners in the local team include 16 handicapper Katyna Rabain who grabbed net honours at Baltusrol in 1991 and Nea Willits, a 22 handicapper, who won the same award in Guadeloupe in 1993.

TEAM BERMUDA -- Defending gross champions Bermuda this week play host to the 17th annual Kitty Michael International golf tournament. Pictured (from left to right) are: Valerie Nearon, Judy Kitson, Katyna Rabain, Judithanne Outerbridge, Shirley James, Glenda Todd, Bea Williams and Nea Willits. Missing are Irva Robinson and Pat Morgan.