Jarryd Dillas will be looking to retain his men’s title, but it is still uncertain if Ebonie Cox, the women’s champion in 2017, will be competing at next week’s Bermuda Stroke Play Championships at Port Royal.

The tournament will run from next Friday to Sunday with Dillas being challenged by Will Haddrell, a former champion, and some low handicap overseas players who are adding some quality to the field. Also in the field are college Sebastian Collins and Walker Campbell, who are low handicappers, along with Mikus Ming and youngster Kenny Leseur. American pair Joshua Hopwood, who has been to Bermuda before, and Johaan Hunter are also in the field and aiming to be competitive.

Cox, who returned last year to reclaim her title along with Dillas, has not yet signed up to participate, with the deadline being Monday.

Her absence would leave the division wide open with former champions Elizabeth Parsons and Katrin Burnie among the favourites. Parsons is in college abroad and plays off a four handicap. Also expected to battle for the title are Ann Symonds and Linda Down.

This year’s event will consist of a men’s, ladies and senior men’s championship flight which will be a 54-hole tournament to determine the champion. However, players who do not wish to compete in the Championship divisions may enter the men’s and ladies first flights which will be a 36-hole event played on the Saturday and Sunday.