Thomas Allkins, Mitchell Campbell and Elizabeth Parsons will test their mettle against overseas opposition this weekend when they compete in the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships.The trio will be among 600 of golf’s top young players, including many of whom will be bidding to become leading collegiate and professional golfers in the future, at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida,Allkins will compete in the Boys’ 12 to 13 age group, while Campbell and Parson will play in the 16 to 18 and 13 to 14 age groups respectively.The annual tournament starts tomorrow and continues until July 29.Boys in the 10 to 15 and girls in the 10 to 14 age groups will play until Monday and the remaining divisions get underway next Thursday.The Championship prides itself as an international event with players representing 42 states, six Canadian provinces and 31 nations.Former champions and top finishers include PGA Tour players Jonathan Byrd, Jason Day, Bill Haas and Jeff Overton in addition to LPGA pro Stacy Lewis, Brittany Lincicome and Lexi Thompson.A number of other big name have participated in Optimist-sponsored championships, including Ernie Els, Nancy Lopez, Davis Love III, Michelle McGann, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.PGA National is home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic and has been host to the PGA Seniors Championship, the 1987 PGA Championship and the 1983 Ryder Cup.n Local golfers will attempt to play 100 holes in 24 hours as part of a fundraiser for those who hope to play in international tournaments such as the Island Games and the World Amateur Team Championships.Paul Adams, Aaron Smith, Nick Mansell, Jack Bridges, and Chris Grantier among others will attempt the feat on Mondayat Tucker’s Point Club.Money will also be raised for the Family Centre and Bermuda Golf Association (BGA).“The Bermuda Golf Association have been working hard over the last few years to piece together a player development programme” said a BGA spokesperson.“We are happy to say that we are in the beginning stages of selecting a national golf team to represent Bermuda in overseas competitions such as the Island Games and World Amateur Team Championships.“Those players who have been selected to start the training process have also started a fundraiser to assist with the costs of the overseas trips and training.”Donations can be made by contacting the BGA.