Bermuda's chances of qualifying for this year's World Cup of Golf suffered a blow with leading local professional Dwayne Pearman being forced out due to a troublesome neck injury.

Pearman initially suffered the injury while playing over two months ago and was thought to have sufficiently recovered. However, he recently aggravated the ailment and has not been able to perform for the last three weeks.

The Ocean View Golf Club professional said yesterday that while he has been receiving regular physiotherapy he was still far from being fit enough to compete.

"It's getting a little better, but I still can't play because of the stiffness,'' said Pearman, who last November placed 25th while partnered with Kim Swan at the same tournament in Orlando, Florida.

"Once the pain goes I'll have to go to the gym and strengthen my body a bit.

"I'm disappointed. I was hitting the ball well and was really preparing myself (for the tournament).'' The unavailability of Pearman has opened the door for Belmont pro Cornell Bean to make an appearance alongside Swan at the qualifier in Jamaica.

The event, a 36-hole, two-day affair, where the rounds of both players will count toward an overall aggregate score, will be played next Thursday and Friday at the Runaway Bay Golf Club at the Jamaica Jamaica Resort.

This year marks the first time that competing countries have been required to qualify. Fifty-three of the `lesser' golfing nations have been split into two zones -- Western and Eastern -- with Bermuda placed in the west along with those from the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe. The other zone members include Africa, Middle East and Far East.

Four from each section will qualify for the $1.2 million, 72-hole finale set for Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, defending champions, the United States, are among 22 seeded nations which have been granted direct access to the tournament proper.

Despite the absence of Pearman, Barry DeCouto, president of the Professional Golfers Association of Bermuda, was optimistic about the team's prospects.

"I think we have a good chance,'' said DeCouto. "Kim is playing quite well and has gone over in advance to play on the Mini Tour (in Florida).

Bean will also leave on Monday to get used to the conditions and the course.

"Also, the facilities there are much better which should help raise the level of their games.'' As for the competition, DeCouto was especially wary of Holland, Jamaica and some of the European countries, but said that if Bean and Swan could "stay around or just under par'' they should have few problems getting through.

DeCouto will accompany the pair on the venture with an eye on putting forward the name of Bermuda as a possible venue for future qualifiers.

In this regard he plans to hold talks with International Golf Association executive director Burch Riber and tournament director Stephanie Tyler.

"Bermuda should always be marketing the country as a golf destination,'' DeCouto said. "We have some of the best courses in the world here.

"Plus we're talking about over 200 people coming here, spending money and going back home and giving the island even more exposure.'' CORNELL BEAN -- Belmont pro will play alongside Kim Swan in Jamaica at World Cup of Golf qualifier.