Defending champion Michael Sims will again be heading the field as he attempts to qualify for a fifth successive Butterfield Bermuda Championship in the Local Qualifier next week.

The professional will compete in the extended 54-hole event at Port Royal Golf Course on November 17 to 18, but despite his record he will tee off without any lofty expectations.

“We are fortunate to have these spots to play for in a PGA Tour event and I am very grateful for the opportunity as always,” Sims told The Royal Gazette.

“I have been having practice sessions when I can and I really don’t have any expectations, as all I can do is give it my all on every shot at any given time.”

Sims won last year’s Local Qualifier by two shots and is again expected to be contention for this year’s available spots at the par-71 Southampton layout.

Also among the field is fellow professional Nick Jones and amateur Jarryd Dillas, who also qualified for the main event last year after finishing tied for second.

Former European Tour player Kim Swan, who made his debut in last year’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship after receiving a sponsor’s exemption and hit the honorary first tee shot at the inaugural event in 2019, will also be attempting to achieve a place in the tournament.

Also back for another shot is promising teenager Oliver Betschart, who narrowly missed out last time. The 15-year-old was tied for second with three holes to play but dropped a shot coming in which ultimately put paid to his hopes.

“It is going to be an exciting tournament, playing for the second time,” Betschart said.

“I am happy that they increased it to 54 holes and we can play for world amateur golf ranking points. I played quite a few 54-hole tournaments this summer in Switzerland and feel confident in my game and mental and physical fitness.

“Looking at the field, it is going to be tough so I am going to have to play well.”

Professionals Dwayne Pearman, Scott Roy, Chaka DeSilva and Camiko Smith and top amateurs Will Haddrell and Damian Palanyandi are also competing.

Smith, who is attempting to qualify for the main event for the third time, is looking forward to the challenge.

“I am delighted for the opportunity to be able to qualify for the event and as most people know golf is tough and sport is tough,” said Smith, who equalled a tournament record after becoming the third player to shoot six-under on the back nine two years ago.

“I am going to put my hard work to the test and my hope is that more Bermudians will come out and support.”

DeSilva, Palanyandi and Pearman have also showcased their talents in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Pearman played in the inaugural event after being granted a sponsor’s exemption while DeSilva and Palanyandi successfully qualified in 2021.

Among the notable absentees is top amateur Jevon Roberts who has been ruled out through work commitments.

The Local Qualifier will see competitors play 36 holes on October 17 with the remaining 18 holes taking place the next day.

The top three Bermudian golfers will secure spots in the main event (November 10 to 12) with the next three qualifiers gaining entry into the Butterfield Bermuda APGA Championship, which takes place on October 26 to 28 at Port Royal. The winner of the APGA event will receive exemption into the Bermuda Championship.