Defending Order of Merit champion Scott Roy has been ruled out of the Moongate Tour medal event at Port Royal Golf Course on Friday.

Professional Roy, the Turtle Hill Golf Club director, made a solid start to the defence of his title with victory in last month’s season opener but will not be among the field this week as he is off island.

“I am off island this week so I will miss my first Moongate event,” Roy told The Royal Gazette.

“I am sorry that I am missing my first one but I expect everyone to continue to do well and the committee to provide a phenomenal event.

“I am coming off a win in the first one this season and a phenomenally strong season two and look forward to getting back into the mix.”

Roy produced four victories on the way to securing the Moongate Tour Order of Merit title and also qualified for the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championships, with that success inspiring the 42-year-old to strive for even greater heights this year.

“I am excited to kick off season three with a win and I look forward to starting my personal golf endeavours in April when I return,” Roy said.

“I have some big plans for myself personally and qualifying for the Bermuda Butterfield Championship has certainly given me a drive to want to do more.

“I know that my team at Turtle Hill and Fairmont Southampton, as well as my family, are hugely supporting me and I want to make them proud and do them proud.”

Roy is also thrilled that Gosling’s have thrown its support behind the Moongate Tour this year.

“I am excited that Gosling’s has seen the opportunity and is coming on board to support local golf,” he said.

“They have always been a huge supporter of golf on the island and I am glad that we are part of that development. I am excited for what the Moongate has to deliver in season three with Gosling’s.”

Also missing from the field at Port Royal today is 2023 Moongate Tour Championship winner Oliver Betschart, who is overseas and enjoying success on the Southern Texas PGA Junior Tour.

Among those expected to be in contention for honours at the 18-hole event on Friday are professionals Dwayne Pearman and Chris Smith and amateurs Jevon Roberts and Jarryd Dillas.