tournaments over the past decade, begins the defence of his Belmont Invitational title this morning, aiming to pick up his fourth crown in six years.

The Atlanta resident first triumphed at Belmont in 1991, won again in 1993 and repeated his success last year when the $20,000 four-day event was shortened to 54 holes after rain washed out the final day's play.

On his frequent visits to the Island, Conley, who played on the Nike Tour this year, has also won the Bermuda Open and the Lobster Pot pro championship.

However, as usual, there are a number of both fellow American and local pros in the 120-strong field hoping to steal Conley's thunder.

Among them are Connecticut's Fran Marello, who won in 1994, and Bermuda's own Dwayne Pearman, a Belmont champion in 1992.

Both Conley and Marrello along with Rick Sovereign fired two-under-par 68s to share first place among the pros in yesterday's Pro-Am, a traditional warm-up for the main event.

Veteran Joe Carr, Bob Mucha and Paul Parajeckas have also returned from the US east coast while among the first time US pros in this year's Invitational are New York's Brent Smith and Boston's Dino Ricci.

Home course professionals Cornell Bean and Barry DeCouto along with St.George's pro Kim Swan help make up a strong local contingent.

Long-time return visitor, professional Ed Whalley has been forced to pull out of the tournament after hitting just one shot in yesterday's Pro-Am. Whalley, who broke both hands earlier this year, reinjured one of them during his first swing.

While Conley will be a clear favourite in the professional division, the battle for amateur honours appears wide open with none of the members from Bermuda's recent World Amateur Championship team -- Henry Ascento, Bill Pitt, Tim Carr and Hav Trott -- having entered, nor Bermuda Strokeplay champion Robert Vallis.

Defending champion Nick Mansell may have the inside track, although any number of Belmont's own low handicappers could find themselves in the running.

The first round is scheduled for this morning with the tournament continuing daily through Thursday.

Next Monday sees the start of one of Bermuda's longest-running events, the 44th annual Goodwill Tournament, with 104 teams entered. Play takes place each day at Port Royal, Mid Ocean, Castle Harbour and Belmont with each team playing all four courses throughout the week.

The Goodwill professional championship is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11.

Tim Conley