Camiko Smith will be looking to become the first Bermudian to win the Gosling’s Invitational tournament in more than two decades at Belmont Hills Golf Club next week.

The professional has had an impressive season, reaching US Open Sectional Qualifying, finishing tied for second at the Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship at Turtle Hill Golf Club as well as competing in mini tours in the United States.

“Even though I haven’t really been able to practice and play as much as I usually do, I still feel confident with myself and my game,” Smith, 28, said. “I’ve been going to the gym regularly to keep in shape.”

Other professionals carrying local hopes in this year’s field include Daniel Augustus, Nick Jones, Anthony Mocklow and Dwayne Pearman — the last Bermudian to win the event in 1992.

Returning to defend his title is last year’s overall winner Kent Fukushima, who plays on the Canadian Tour.

Other overseas professionals returning are past winners Bill Walsh, Joe Horowitz, Ian Doig and PH Horgan.

The professional division will feature as many as seven new players.

Defending his amateur title is Bermuda’s Mark Phillips in the absence of compatriots Jevon Roberts and Joshua Cabrera, who are both unavailable through work commitments and injury.

Back to defend his senior amateur crown is Bermuda’s Hav Trott.

For the first time in several years the tournament will have a senior division that could potentially feature as many as seven players.

Included in the division is Kirk Hanefeld, of Canada, who won the overall Gosling’s Invitational title in 2005 and 2009.

Karen Marsh, the tournament director, said: “We’re delighted that we have 84 players and more importantly that we’ve seven new professionals that are here for the first time.

“That’s very exciting so it’s going to make for a very competitive tournament this year.”

She added: “The weather has been dry this week so we’re looking to have some really great conditions and the course is in phenomenal condition and as long as it stays dry it will make for a different tournament because it’s been wet for the last few years.”

The professionals will again be competing for $60,000.

The event runs from December 1 to 4.