Eric West seized early control of the Bermuda Amateur Stroke Play Championships at Port Royal Golf Course yesterday.

The former Tour de las Americas player carded an opening round two-over 73, which included three birdies and five bogeys, to carve out a two-shot advantage over the rest of the field.

“Generally good golf with some sloppy mistakes. Need to clean those up,” West told The Royal Gazette.

“The course is dry and playing differently than it usually does this time of year with north-west wind direction.

“Today was a practice round and I learnt a lot, which I’ll take into the weekend.”

Things are tight at the top of the leaderboard with a bunch of players within striking distance of the leader, among them Spencer Wideman, Jarryd Dillas and Arman Newton two shots back at four over.

Damian Palanyandi is at five over followed by Jevon Roberts and Will Haddrell another shot back.

A new champion will be crowned this year as last year’s winner Kenny Leseur is no longer eligible, having recently turned professional.

The battle for women’s honours is even tighter with Vanessa Chychrun clinging to a one-shot advantage over the rest of the field after carding a six-over 77, which included four bogeys and a double at the par-five 2nd hole.

Breathing down the 2023 winner’s neck is Tracy Burgess, who competed at this week’s North & South Women’s Amateur Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina, followed by teenager Darina Betschart, another shot back at eight over.

There will also be a new women’s champion this year because Kim Botelho is not defending her crown.

The tournament continues today and tomorrow at Port Royal.