For the first time in local Glidden Bowl history, this year?s champion could herald from overseas.

Next week will see a 16-strong British contingent compete against local junior golfers in a field consisting of 47 competitors at Port Royal Golf Course.

In addition, the 21st edition of the annual Glidden Bowl promises to be bigger and better then ever as world-renowned golf trick-shot expert Chuck ?The Hitman? Hiter will be on hand to mesmerise onlookers with an astonishing assortment of tricks with the clubs.

Hiter, pictured, draws upon his athletic talent, hand-eye coordination, motor skill ability and professional golf and baseball background to create an impressive and astonishing golf entertainment show.

The Florida resident will also provide Bermuda Senior Golf Association (BSGA) members with a demonstration at Riddell?s Bay Golf Club next Tuesday.

The Glidden Bowl, sanctioned by Bermuda Junior Golf Association (BJGA), starts on Monday and concludes with the final round on Wednesday at Port Royal.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three gross and net boys and girls finishers in each division, ranging from 12 years and under to 17.

Accompanying the British contingent, heralding from Millfield School in Somerset, England, is coach Phil Cookson.

?We have a lot of kids who have great talent,? said BJGA representative Allan Bechter. ?And to have someone (Hiter) like this come will provide our junior golfers with more of an incentive to work even harder because he actually made the tour (USPGA) and then did something else with it to make a very good living.?

Another long-serving BJGA member Rawn Rabain is ?overwhelmed? with the support the association has received over the past 20 years.

?This year will be even more special,? he promised. ?Not just for the kids but also for anybody else who wants to come and see how this guy (Hiter) hits the golf ball. And the kids are really excited.?

This year?s tournament is again sponsored by the Pembroke Paint Company.

?Just to give emphasis and a boost to the Bermuda Junior Golf Association because they have been doing it (staging Glidden Bowl) for 21 years, we thought we would do something special,? explained Pembroke Paint Company owner John Swift.

Last year saw Andrew Osborne clinch the boys 15 and over division, Mark Phillips captured the boys 13 and under and Alex Osborne the boys 12 and under division.

Tariquah Williams won the girls open division.

All of last year?s winners are back to defend their title among their respective divisions.