the pursuit of his first major golf title, the defending Bermuda Amateur Strokeplay champion finds himself this week with the bullseye planted squarely on his chest.

At just 19, Zelkin felt little pressure as he wrapped up the championship with a blistering five-birdie finish.

Having birdied the last four holes of regulation, Zelkin proceeded to stub out the challenge of Policeman Tim Carr by birdieing the first hole of a sudden death play-off.

When this year's championship tees off at Port Royal on Friday, the Jacksonville State University sophomore will be considered the man to beat.

But he said last night: "I'm not feeling any pressure, particularly right now. But once I get into the tournament I'm sure I'll feel it a little.

"Last year I came from behind and this year people will be looking for me to do well, which will add some pressure.'' The event's youngest-ever champion noted he had completely recovered from a thumb injury that hampered him during the college golf season. And he said his game had improved steadily since returning from a month's lay-off.

"In college I would say that the quality of players is better (than in Bermuda) and a lot more competitive, which hopefully will help me,'' added Zelkin, who alternated between number two and three on the Jacksonville team.

"You have to shoot consistently around par to do well and under par if you expect to win.

"Overall I was satisfied with my play, although I did make a few costly mistakes along the way.'' Zelkin believes he can win again this weekend and is mindful of how victory could leapfrog him onto the Bermuda team which will compete at the World Amateur Team Championships in France in October. The Amateur Strokeplay is the last major event for which qualifying points can be earned.

Zelkin sees players such a Hav Trott, Henry Ascento and Tony Readwin as potential challengers as well as Carr, even though the latter has done little since his effort a year ago.

The field, however, has been diluted by the absence of Scott Mayne and Robert Vallis, arguably Bermuda's top two amateurs.

Despite the Amateur, play in this Saturday's Amstel A and B Leagues will continue along with the BGA Monthly Medal and those entered in the Amateur will be allowed to have their scores applied to both events.

BGA secretary Tom Smith noted that league captains should keep this in mind when selecting their teams.

DUNCAN ZELKIN -- became the youngest ever Amateur Strokeplay champion last year.