HAMILTON, Bermuda – The PGA Grand Slam of Golf will return to Bermuda in 2009 and 2010, Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown and PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb announced Tuesday, October 14.
They also announced the most difficult golf tournament in the world to qualify for will be played October 19th to October 21st, 2009, at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton.
“We are so proud to extend our valued partnership with the PGA of America and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf,” said Premier Brown, who is also Minister of Tourism and Transport. “We’re especially proud to have an event as prestigious as the Grand Slam at Port Royal – a spectacular public golf course that belongs to the people of Bermuda and speaks loudly to our country’s commitment to the game.”
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf is part of a sports tourism strategy to market Bermuda as a golf and spa destination between late fall and early spring.
PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb and Premier Dr. Ewart F. Brown at the Mid Ocean Club Media Centre
“The PGA of America is honoured to continue the PGA Grand Slam of Golf’s tradition on the island of Bermuda at Port Royal Golf Course,” said PGA of America’s Mr. Whitcomb. “Bermuda’s combination of unmatched hospitality and community support for the PGA Grand Slam of Golf has enhanced the season-ending meeting of the game’s elite foursome. We look forward to working with all of our friends in Bermuda in presenting the PGA Grand Slam of Golf next fall to the world.”
The two-day 26th PGA Grand Slam of Golf is playing out this week at the Mid Ocean Club, the course which also hosted the event in 2007. The PGA Grand Slam of Golf is televised by Turner Sports in 100 countries to millions of TV households.
Premier Brown said: “My hat is off to the members and staff at the Mid Ocean Club. Last year, and once again this year, they’ve shown Bermuda and the world they can handle a top-notch golf event with expert precision. From the course maintenance to the hospitality to the volunteer effort – they have set the bar extremely high.”
The late architect Robert Trent, Sr. deemed Port Royal Golf Course his finest work outside of the United States. The public course opened for play in 1970 and is undergoing a $13.7 million renovation that extends the layout 281 yards to 6,842 yards. Tees, fairways and roughs have been sprigged with Bermuda 419 and the greens with TifEagle.
The course will reopen in January 2009.
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf features a $1.35 million purse, with the winner receiving $600,000, second place $300,000, third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000.
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf is hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Mid Ocean Club and the Fairmont Southampton.
