Joe Horowitz is seeking to join an exclusive group of company at the 2013 Bermuda Open that gets underway today at Port Royal.Victory would land the former Canadian Tour player a maiden title at this event and place him among a small band of players to have won the Open and Gosling’s Invitational on local shores.“I would love nothing more than to put my name on that trophy and represent this Island as their national champion,” the American told The Royal Gazette. “It would be extremely satisfying to add an Open trophy to the Goslings.”The man who makes a living outside of golf writing music, singing and performing is among the 18 overseas pros in a field that also includes previous Open and Gosling’s winners Dwayne Pearman, Ian Doig and Bill Walsh.“The field is a little disappointing as far as size and purse,” Horowitz added. “But regardless of the size of the field or purse it's still a national open.“As far as competition, it's very strong. There are at least 12 guys I know who expect to make a paycheck.”Horowitz hasn’t been active in the sport lately due to the winter weather in his native Long Island, New York but is confident he can shake off the cobwebs at one of his favourite golf courses in the world.“I haven't had a chance to strike many balls up in New York,” he said. “I've been on the wrong Island for practice, Long Island and not Bermuda.“I've always loved the Port Royal layout, it's one of my favourite courses in the world. I think the changes are magnificent and really highlight the natural terrain of the course.”Horowitz will tee off in today’s opening round of the 72-hole event alongside reigning Gosling’s Invitational champ Walsh and Jon Denney.He is expected to be thick in the hunt for top honours along with the likes of Canadian trio Doig, Walsh and Brian McCann to name a few.McCann won the 2008 Bermuda Open and is set to make his first appearance in the event since 2010.Among those carrying local hopes are defending Bermuda Open champion Daniel Augustus and two-time winner Pearman.Both golfers declined to comment ahead of today’s opening round.Locals Scott Barnett and Jevon Roberts are among the favourites in the men’s amateur field.There are no ladies amateurs competing following the withdrawal of Tariqah Walikraam.Local Cory DeSilva, 16, is the youngest golfer in the field.This year will see the Bermuda Open return to its original format which is that of a genuine open with all participants (professional and men and ladies amateurs) all playing off the black tees.A total of 26 professionals and 11 amateurs will compete for the $9,750 in prize money made up entirely of entry fees.