HAMILTON, Bermuda – Sports legends Julius Erving, Bill Russell and Lee Elder are scheduled to attend the official opening of the new Port Royal Golf Course next week, Bermuda’s Ministry of Tourism and Transport announced today, July 16th.
Mr. Erving (known commonly as Dr. J) and Mr. Russell were professional basketball players and both are Basketball Hall of Fame inductees. Mr. Elder had a distinguished career as a professional golfer and is an icon in the sport for breaking the race barrier. He also played in the 2007 PGA Grand Slam of Golf Pro-Am at Bermuda’s Mid Ocean Club.
“We are delighted to host these great sports legends for the official opening of Port Royal,” said Premier Brown who is Minister of Tourism and Transport. “The word is spreading about the splendid public golf course we have built and I am thrilled that we have the chance to show it off – not only to these gentlemen, but to people who love golf all over the world. This golf course will lure many visitors to Bermuda.”
Last week the Premier announced former National Football League star quarterback Boomer Esiason will also participate in official opening events which include a reception July 21st and a Captain’s Choice Tournament July 22nd. Mr. Esiason, who is now a sports broadcaster, will also talk about his experience via his blog, on Facebook and during his WFAN-AM radio program in New York called Boomer and Carton.
The Port Royal Golf Course recently completed a multimillion dollar reconstruction project which included re-routing two holes, construction of new bunkers, the installation of a reverse osmosis plant, a computerized irrigation system and the planting of Tif Eagle on redesigned greens.
Casuarina tress were replaced by indigenous Bermuda Cedar trees opening up vistas to the sea throughout the course which has been lengthened to 6,842 yards, making it the longest golf course in Bermuda.
Port Royal will host the 27th PGA Grand Slam of Golf October 19th – 21st, 2009. The event will be televised to audiences in 100 countries.
