David Wettlaufer will begin the defence of his Gosling’s Invitational title during the opening round at Port Royal today.

The former Canadian Tour and European Senior Tour player won last year’s event on his fifth attempt by three shots over multiple winner Kirk Hanefeld.

Wettlaufer has arrived in Bermuda in good form and is confident of defending his title.

“I’ve been playing pretty well and hopefully it will carry through and I can defend,” said Wettlaufer, a professional at Forest Creek Golf Club in North Carolina. “It’s always great to come to the Gosling’s event. It’s been fun the few years that I’ve been here and being a defending champion makes it even more special. It’s just fun to be here and go out and play.”

The Canadian is among a strong field that boasts Mike Donald, a former PGA Tour player and US Open runner-up in 1990, seasoned PGA Tour player and tournament debutant Brad Adamonis along with former Gosling’s Invitational winners Billy Walsh, Brian McCann, P.H. Horgan, Joe Horowitz, Hanefeld and Bermuda’s Dwayne Pearman.

“It’s always a good-qualpty field at the Gosling’s event,” Wettlaufer said.

Wettlaufer participated in the pro-am under sunny skies yesterday.

“The golf course is in great shape,” he said. “The two days I’ve been here there’s been no wind, which is highly unusual.

“Looking at the weather, it looks like it’s going to be good, so scoring will be good.”

The competition also boasts a strong amateur field, including US Mid-Amateur champion Matt Parziale.

“It’s going to be a tough competition but I’m definitely looking forward to it,” said Parziale.

“This is my first time here and the course and views look awesome.”

The amateur division also features Jerry Courville, a former US Mid-Amateur champion and two-times Walker Cup team member, Herbie Aikens, a two-times Massachusetts Mid-Amateur champion, and Armory Davis, the Mass Pub Links champion and former University of Virginia standout.

Bermuda’s Damian Palanyandi won the amateur title last year, while compatriot Hav Trott captured the senior title.

The opening two rounds will be held at Port Royal, with the remaining 36 holes to be played at Belmont Hills Golf Club.