Bermuda Golf Association's ambitious plan to have female professionals playing in this month's Bermuda Open seems likely to fail.

The BGA had been hopeful of attracting some of the biggest names in women's golf, with the likes of Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer reportedly interested in coming to the event which takes place at Port Royal Golf Course from January 21 to 24.

However, that was when the prize fund, backed by a big-name sponsor, was expected to be roughly $300,000. In the current economic climate the sponsorship deal fell through and the amount available has since plummeted to $50,000.

Even so, several of the lesser well know professionals had still expressed an interest in coming, but then had to change their plans and numbers are now likely to be similar to those seen in recent years.

"When we thought the prize fund was going to be in the hundreds of thousands we had seven members of the Solheim Cup team interested in playing," said BGA vice-president Alan Gamble.

"But that isn't going to happen now, and even the two who were going to come, can't, because apparently it effects the integrity of the game if they are seen to compete for lesser sums.

"So we'll use this year as a stepping stone, learn from the experience, and give ourselves more time to get a big sponsor for next year, and hopefully we'll see the women professionals then. We do have some irons in the fire though, so you never know."

At one stage the BGA had been hoping to get close to a full field of 108 players. That now also seems unlikely, although the governing body are still expecting a strong tournament.

Previous winner Tim Conley is to play and is expected to be joined by the likes of Joe Horowitz, Brian McCann and Eric West. And the Great Britain and Ireland 2009 Walker Cup squad player Keir McNicoll, one of the UK's top amateurs, has also entered for one of his first tournaments as a professional.

The Scot turned pro late last year and competed in the Dunhill Links Championship in October. Prior to that he reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Amateur Championship at Royal Troon.

While McNicoll is certain to play, their are doubts over Bermudian Michael Sims who may take an opportunity to play in New Zealand instead.

n Bermuda duo Jarryd Dillas and Nick Jones will begin their Copa De Las Americas campaign in Argentina today.

The pair won the right to represent the Island in the tournament after qualifying on Boxing Day, and will start their first round of the 72-hole event later today. They will be joined by women's duo Ebonie Burgess and Laura Robinson, who will also compete over 72 holes.