defend her crown when the 63rd Bermuda Women's Amateur Championships begins today at Riddell's Bay Golf & Country Club.

She is expected to receive stiff competition from scratch golfer Julie Rivers from North Conway, New Hampshire, and Bermuda stalwarts Judithanne Astwood, Madeline Joell and Shirley Wildi.

The 54-hole stroke play event will continue until Thursday.

Meanwhile, entries have closed for the Bermuda Open Championships, scheduled for October 14-17 with the wait list officially cut off.

A total of 46 visiting professionals and eight local golfers are entered in the hallmark event while the amateur section features 27 golfers from overseas and 31 locals.

The professionals will be aiming for a purse of $40,000 with 1992 winner Gene Feiger of the Overbrook GC in Pennsylvania returning looking to claim the first prize of $10,000.

Also, entries for Saturday's Medal Play Competition at Port Royal GC should be called in to secretary Tom Smith at 238-1367 before 6 p.m. today.