Bermuda has proven to be fertile ground for Kent Fukushima.

The former Canadian Tour player claimed a maiden Gosling’s Invitational title at the first attempt last year. And he will be hoping for lightening to strike twice at Port Royal this week as he bids for a maiden Bermuda Open crown on his tournament debut.

But first Fukushima will have to cope with a sore back that nearly threatened to rule him out of the 72-hole tournament. “I tweaked my back and have been receiving therapy, so I am a little concerned,” Fukushima said. “But I am just going to go out and play and hopefully it all comes together because I would love to have my name inscribed on the trophy.”

Fukushima, who won last year’s Gosling’s Invitational at Belmont Hills by a three-shot margin, is playing among a professional field that includes Michael Sims, his former Canadian Tour rival.

“Michael is a good player,” the Canadian said. “I played with him on the Canadian Tour before and I believe the first hole I played with him he hit it like a foot for eagle on this par five and I was like ‘oh, what a shot’.”

As for the par-71 Port Royal layout, Fukushima said: “A couple of years ago I went out and played there and I was like, ‘oh man, what a golf course’. It is beautiful and a good solid track.

“They have remodelled it to make it resort friendly, but you get on those ocean holes and it is spectacular. There are some good golf shots out there you have to hit.”

The competition, which tees off today, will feature professional and amateur players from Europe, Australia and North America. Along with former Web.com Tour player Sims, Terence Daniels and former winners Dwayne Pearman and Daniel Augustus will carry Bermuda’s hopes in the professional division. Last year’s winner Eric West, who plays on the European Challenge Tour, has been ruled out due to a scheduling conflict.

The former Port Royal head pro is studying psychology at Harvard University.

Another local player, Jevon Roberts, is back to defend his title in the amateur division which also features the likes of Jarryd Dillas, Mark Phillips and last year’s runner up Scott Barnett. Roberts won a maiden Bermuda Open amateur title after beating Barnett on the first hole of a play-off.