Twelve-year-old Mark Phillips is expected to make history this weekend when he competes in the 72-hole Bermuda Amateur Strokeplay Championships at Port Royal.

Mark is believed to be the youngest golfer ever to play in the annual tournament, considered one of the major events on the local golf calendar.

A member at Ocean View, he plays off an 11-handicap and according to father Chris, himself an avid golfer, has been shooting some low rounds of late.

"He's actually carded a 73 and regularly shoots between 75 and 81," said Chris, who will caddie for his son during the four-day tournament, which gets underway this morning.

While young Phillips isn't expected to be a contender, competition at the top of the leaderboard is likely to be fierce.

Veteran Michael Tavares will defend his title and can expect a serious challenge from former winner Robert Vallis, Port Royal's Nick Mansell, Mid Ocean Club's Blake Marshall and up and coming youngsters Jarryd Dillas, Aaron James and Ryan Mello.

Eight overseas players will also be in the field, including three handicapper Andrew Ryan.

Tomorrow will see the start of the 54-hole women's championship in which Jennifer Spurling will look to repeat her victory of a year ago.

Youngsters Ebonie Burgess, Stephanie Lewis and Laura Robinson are also expected to contend as well as visitor Mary Ann Plunkett.