Dear Sir,

I would like to respond to Senator Swan's letter published a few weeks ago concerning the appointment of Mr. Michael Sims to the Bermuda Professional Golfers Association. Please understand that this letter represents my own view and does not necessarily represent the views of the members of the association.

Although Mr. Swan is correct in some instances, his letter is very misleading and unfortunately undermines the integrity of the BPGA (Bermuda Professional Golfers Association). The argument basically stems from allowing Mr. Sims to represent Bermuda in the upcoming World Cup in Malaysia. Senator Swan states that the BPGA should invite Mr. Sims to be part of the Association in order that he represent us in this prestigious event. He also mentions and alludes to the various selfish personalities involved in the Bermuda Professional Golf Association as a potential reason for not considering Mr. Sims.

To expand on this a bit more for the public to understand, the rules of this competition are NOT set by the BPGA! We only abide by them. Having fully read and understand the rules of this competition it is highlighted and enlarged in bold, that this event caters ONLY to professionals.

I want it to be known that it was the rules and regulations of the competition that dictated the decision not to ask Mr. Sims to join them and not the selfish attitudes or personal agendas of some of the members as indicated.

The Association will never ask Mr. Sims to give up his status at this time in his life just to represent us in the World Cup. The decision has to be made by Mr. Sims and once he decides to turn professional there is no doubt that he will be welcomed into the Association, if he cares to join.

The achievement thus far by Mr. Sims is remarkable and has to go down as the greatest achievement by any athlete that Bermuda has produced and we are all very proud of him. Fortunately for Michael his father understands the importance of his achieving as much as he can now in the amateur ranks which affords him the opportunity the compare his game against the world's best amateurs, all with the same desire to succeed on the US PGA Tour. He no doubt has a great opportunity and the skill to excel in this sport. There is absolutely no reason why Mr. Sims will skip levels at this stage and I am sure will renounce his amateur status when he is ready.

Bermuda has many fine PGA Professionals who enter the field for many different reasons and unfortunately part of the article may mislead any up and coming youngsters considering golf as a career. To that note the BPGA must better align themselves in the public's eye, as unfortunately we are judged only by the actual playing of golf. I can only talk about my experiences as an example for others.

I am a graduate of the San Diego Golf Academy obtaining an Associate Degree in Golf Course Complex Operations and Management. I was fortunate enough to return to Bermuda and work for Mr. Swan at the St. George's Golf Club where I was able to implement my skills and at the same time learn from Mr. Swan's experience as well. I literally gave up playing golf because of the enjoyment I received from teaching. I obtained these qualifications through hard work at school and was fortunate to learn from seasoned former PGA players. Most importantly I enjoyed meeting new people on a daily basis.

This profession suited my personality and I have never looked back since. I enjoy what I do and will encourage others to pursue their ambitions in this field. We are seeing every day opportunities becoming available world wide and it only takes the exploits of great players as Mr. Sims to open up even more opportunities. My experiences, ambitions and vision for golf in Bermuda far exceeds those stuck in the past. Those who really know me understand my vision.

Our Association is filled with many talented Bermudians who all have their own objectives and goals in life and we all work extremely hard to ensure that we provide the necessary service required at the golf clubs in Bermuda.

I will not allow misconstrued comments undermine the efforts of the Association in building a better relationship with the public and opening doors to those who wish to make this a career. Besides Mr. Dwayne Pearman, we also have many other talented players like Mr. Andrew Trott, Cornell Bean and up and coming professionals Brian Morris and Janice Robinson to name just a few. These professionals enjoy playing in competition and given the opportunity will make the most of it. I, on the other hand, enjoy what I do and could not care less about tournament play at all. Before these players there were the likes of Mr. Frances Rabain and messier Swan and many others that started the trend but on the flip side of the coin the efforts of Mr. Eardley Jones must not go unrecognised. Mr. Jones and his family have taken time out of their personal lives to create an amazing junior program. It is unbelievable the amount of children in Bermuda who love this sport and now Mr. Jones has created an organisation that will help these kids realise their dreams.

So my message to all of the youngsters considering to make this a career, I want you to know that golf is more than hitting a ball. It brings many friends from worldwide, integrity and prestige that no other career choice can bring. We are envied by many who wake up and have to sit in an office from 9-5. I can guarantee the sport will open the doors to the entire world but you have to put into to get out of it.

Please understand that Mr. Swan is a personal friend of mine and this is definitely not an attack on him as a person as he has set many standards in the profession to be proud of but I will not see the reputation of the BPGA tarnished with a story which is misleading.

I will finish here as I have a tee time and must make my way to the first tee.

ALEX MADEIROS

Director of Golf Belmont