graced the Bermuda golf calendar, returns next week with Chateau Elan of Braselton, Georgia, and Cohasset of Massachusetts trying to defending their net and gross titles.

The 72-hole tournament, which sees the teams alternating on four courses -- Belmont, Castle Harbour, Mid Ocean and Port Royal -- had attracted 108 teams but has lost Rhode Island through a late withdrawal.

Despite the recession that number is up from the 100 last year though down on the record entry of 125 and tournament official Muriel Parker said she is delighted with the number considering the state of the economy.

Once again the bulk of the entries will be from the United States with 17 teams from Canada and two from Scotland. Bermuda, again, will be represented by Belmont, Castle Harbour, Mid Ocean, Ocean View, Port Royal, Riddell's Bay, St. George's and Southampton Princess.

Chateau Elan's entry caused some controversy with Tim Conley as their pro. The Goodwill organisers felt Conley, a regular visitor to the Island, was more a touring pro than a club pro and thus should not be participating in this type of tournament.

Conley on Thursday earned his PGA tour card for 1993 after a six-round final qualifier in Texas. The champions will be led by Mike Bishop, while Cohasset will be led by Gene Peterson who finished 13th in the recently completed Belmont Invitational.

Chateau Elan play their first round at Belmont while Cohasset open the defence of their title at Mid Ocean.

The tournament provides a useful boost for the Bermuda economy during the off-season with players bringing down their wives and a host of social activities have been planned, beginning with the `welcome' cocktail party tomorrow evening at Belmont. Competition itself will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday but activities outside of the golf include tennis and golf tournaments for the women and bridge and water tours.

The professional championship will be held on Wednesday.