Julie Rivers from North Conway, New Hampshire, after the opening day of the 63rd Bermuda Women's Amateur Championship yesterday at Riddell's Bay Golf Club.

The two Americans lead the small field following rounds of 75 in yesterday's rain-affected play.

Organisers suffered a staggering blow when only 15 women signed up to play in what was supposed to be a match play event, starting on Monday with the final slated for Friday.

The poor turn-out pushed back the start date by one day and it was decided that a 54-hole tournament be held instead, continuing today and tomorrow.

The official amateur stroke play championship was held in June.

Griffin's competition is expected to come from Conway, a scratch player, and local hopefuls Judithanne Astwood, Madeline Joell and Shirley Wildi.

Both Astwood and Joell are in the top five, Astwood having shot a 76 which leaves her in third place a stroke behind the leaders while Joell is fifth following her first-round 83.

German visitor Heidi Winkelvoss is in contention with a 79, which places her fourth.

Griffin was the winner of last October's match play event when she beat defending champion Reggie Hawes in the 36-hole final, having tried for four years to win the title.