Two-time US Open tennis champion Pat Rafter will be among the field when the 10th anniversary edition of the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Memorial Charity Golf Tournament takes place at Riddell's Bay over the next two days.

Rafter, who will play in a team including top local professional Dwayne Pearman as well as Bank of Bermuda president Henry Smith, is among a huge entry of almost 400 players which has required organisers to split the tournament into four separate shotgun starts this morning and this afternoon, and tomorrow morning and afternoon.

Now considered by far the biggest charity tournament in Bermuda, having raised over half a million dollars in the last ten years and $150,000 last year alone, tournament director Clem Talbot is hopeful of surpassing the 2001 figure.

Held in memory of Clem's father, Ross, one of the Island's most respected entertainers, the event will this year raise money for The Adults Education School, YouthNet, The Bermuda Dance Company and the Ross (Blackie) Talbot Foundation.

Several prizes are on offer for the winners this year, including a Renault cabriolet for anyone who sinks a hole-in-one on the par-three 17th.

In addition those who finish first in the closest to the pin and longest drive contests will then go forward to a special skills tournament prior to the prizegiving on Friday evening in which the winner will come away with an all-expenses paid trip for two to London.