Golfers from as far apart as Sweden and America have signed up for this year's Goslings Invitational.

With the largest event on the Island's golfing calendar little more than two months away, interest is steadily building among professionals and amateurs across the globe.

Swedish professional Boris Kuzmic and fellow countryman Lindgreen Hakan-Leuhusen, an amateur, are both making the trip as are American father and son duo Roy and Cole Willis from Alabama.

They will be joined by a host of overseas and local professionals, all battling it out for the $60,000 prize money that is on offer this year.

And while the overseas contingent have dominated proceedings in recent times, the locals have been polishing their game with weekly Jack Daniels Tour events.

Tournament chief Alex Madeiros said that interest in the tournament was already well ahead of where it normally is at this stage.

'We are getting the message out there, we're putting a lot of energy into it, and doing it smartly," said Madeiros. "We're combining it with the Goodwill and we have 16 teams for that which is unheard of, because we never get teams in this early.

"With the two events back-to-back, we do get professionals and amateurs wanting to stay for both weeks. We cap the Goslings at 100 entries, and professional interest is looking good thus far."

Madeiros said that he thought there was a different feel to the tournament this year and said everyone connected with the event had an extra spring in their step.

"There's something about this year, that I think there is a lot of energy," he said. "Whereas last year there was excitment, but with the economy, everybody was worried. It's just a different feel this year.

"I'm getting really excited about these events already, Goslings and Goodwill. I just feel that with people registering early and attracting pros from overseas, it pays testament to the way the tournament is going."

n The Jack Daniels Tour will be holding a Pro Am event with the Seniors at Ocean View this Monday.