for the Bermuda players to overcome when the World Amateur Golf Championships begin in Santiago, Chile on Thursday.

The four member team of Henry Ascento, Blake Marshall, Andrew Trott and Michael Sims will be spending the next couple of days trying to adjust to the conditions at the two courses where the 72-hole championship, involving 58 countries, will be held.

"The guys have fared very well in the last two practice rounds,'' said team manager and non-playing captain Steven Perry yesterday. "They are hitting the ball very well, but the biggest thing down here is not the golf course but the greens.

"We are looking at lightning fast greens that we are not familiar with. The courses are not that long and are very narrow, tree-lined and very elevated with tees and greens. In golf terms the greens are running at speeds anywhere from 11 to 13, and the guys are spending 70 per cent of the time on each hole around the green.'' Perry said the players are also trying to adjust to the heat which is in the mid to high 80s.

"It is very dry heat and we practiced for two days on the two different courses and they are extremely more difficult than what we're accustomed to seeing back home,'' he said.

The US team will start the tournament as favourites, having brought together four of their top amateurs from the last couple of years. They include Hank Huenhne, the 1998 amateur champion and Tom McNight, this year's runner-up. The 1997 winner and runner-up, Matt Kuchar and Joe Kribel complete a formidable foursome.

"We are staying at the same hotel so we have been spending quite a bit of time with them,'' said Perry. "It's been a very exciting experience for the Bermuda team.'' Recent play in the Bermuda Junior Golf Association programme saw Groups One and Two play 13 holes at Southampton Princess while Groups Three, Four and Five participated in merit testing and coaching.

Jermaine Simons had a good day with a 48 in Group Four, beating out Trevor Mills on 49 who edged out Jerome Overbey on retrogression.

In Group One, Darius Gordyk led the way with a 49, edging out Camiko Smith on retrogression. One stroke back was Daniel Ezekiel on 50.

The Novices played six holes at Belmont where Tariqah Walikraam won with a 34.

Nick Jones was second on 35 and Alex Harlington third on 36.

Play continues today at St. George's where there will also be coaching.