New men’s and ladies champions will be crowned in the Bermuda Amateur Stroke Play Championships which start today at Port Royal Golf Course.

Both defending champions, Will Haddrell and Elizabeth Parsons will be missing, leaving the 54-hole tournament wide open with Jarryd Dillas and Walker Campbell, second and third last year, two of the favourites in the men’s division.

Last year Haddrell beat defending champion Dillas, in a sudden-death playoff after they tied at three-over-par 216.

Linda Down, Ann Symonds, Tariqah Walikraam, Laura Robinson and Tracy Nash should be among the main contenders in the women’s field. Parsons won the ladies title last year by eight strokes over Katrin Burnie, who will also not be playing this weekend.

Action starts today with the Championship players, while the men’s first flight players will compete over 36 holes tomorrow and Sunday.