Bermuda's top female golfers tee off today in the World Amateur Team Championships in Adelaide, Australia.

Tariqah Walikraam, Kim Botelho and Ebonie Burgess join a tournament record of 54 women's teams who will fight for the prestigious Espirito Santo Trophy, which runs until Saturday.

Next week some 72 men's teams will do battle for the coveted Eisenhower Trophy, with the local team comprising of Daniel Augustus, Nick Jones and Jarryd Dillas.

Bermuda's men's team travel to Australia on Thursday with their event scheduled to start on October 16 at the Grange Golf Club and Royal Adelaide Golf Club.

This year's championships marks the second occasion Australia have hosted the event and the 50th year since the Eisenhower Trophy was contested at St. Andrews in Scotland.

Defending men's champions, the Netherlands, will no doubt have their sights set on victory as will the current women's title holders South Africa.

Boasting a combined record of 126 teams, the championships are being played on two of Australia's premier courses.

Bermuda's contingent have had reasonable success over the years, although they have never seriously contended for the title, but Bermuda Golf Association (BGA) secretary Richard Bartlett says he expects a strong showing from the two local teams.

"With an amazing 52 nations competing in both the men's and women's championships, competition will be fierce and no doubt deliver an exciting international flavour showcasing outstanding amateur golfers from every continent," said Bartlett.

"In 2006 the ladies' placed 32 out of 42 teams. This year there are 54 countries partaking in the ladies' division and to finish 32nd or better would be an outstanding achievement.

"In 2006 the Bermuda men's team came 39th out of 70 teams. This year there will be 72 teams and to finish higher than in 2006 would also be a very successful achievement."

Many of the world's best golfers have graced this event when they were amateurs including the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Lorena Ochoa, Annika Sorenstem and Karrie Webb.

Meanwhile, Bermudian golfer Anthony Mocklow has placed 13th in the French Amateur Championships held at Club de Granville outside Paris.

Mocklow put together rounds of 75, 72, 72 for a 219 total in the 54-hole championships, which left him nine shots adrift of winner, Stephen East of England.

Playing off scratch, Mocklow regained his amateur status some years ago, having previously worked as a club professional. He now lives in England.