Last year?s winner Eric West has since turned professional, leaving the door open for the likes of former winner, veteran Robert Vallis and Fraser Hunt, champion two years ago.

Finalist in this year?s Amateur Match Play Championships at Mid Ocean Club, Anthony Mocklow, will also be flying in from his home in England to take part, while the man who beat him in the March final, Nick Mansell, is also expected to compete.

The tournament will be used as a qualifier for the World Amateur Team Championships to be held later this year, although only those currently in the top 12 on the Bermuda Golf Association Order of Merit will be eligible along with invited Bermudians who have been studying overseas.

The 72-hole men?s championship gets underway on Friday, continuing through to Monday, while the 54-hole women?s championship, in which Laura Robinson will defend her title, begins on Saturday and likewise concludes on Monday.