friends flying into Bermuda for next week's 45th annual Goodwill Tournament will be hoping for a trouble-free few days -- at least off the four courses on which the competition takes place.

Last year's event was overshadowed by a row over the withdrawal of injured Massachusetts professional Ed Whalley -- his team's request for a replacement not strongly associated with his Meadow Brook Golf Club was deemed against the rules -- and the washout of the $18,000 Professionals' Championship.

The controversy was resolved when Meadow Brook scratch handicapper Steve Bassett stepped into Whalley's shoes with the disappointed Whalley relegated to the role of spectator.

Obviously there are no hard feelings because Whalley, a regular over the past decade, is back again this year.

However, the number of teams entering the tournament is slightly down on 1996, with 88 from overseas, mainly the US, joining the eight Bermudian teams playing a round at each of Belmont, Castle Harbour, Mid Ocean and Port Royal golf clubs.

The format involves teams of four -- one professional and three amateurs -- in a 72-hole best-ball competition. Amateurs play off three-quarters of their handicap.

Ocean View, again led by top local pro Dwayne Pearman, will be looking to retain their low net title, which they won from three strokes behind on the final round. He will be supported this time by Bill Pitt, Frank Morgan and John Williams.

St. George's last year took the low gross honours. This year resident pro Kim Swan is backed by Peter Willis, Stanley Oliver and David Burgess.

The main tournament runs from Monday to Friday, with Wednesday left clear for the professional event.