The German Professional Golfers Association are getting ready to make Bermuda their winter base for the next four years.Following a successful visit to the Island in November the GPGA have voted to go ahead with their ‘Bermuda Golf Project’, which will strengthen links between the two countries.Patrice Minors, the Minister of Business Devlopment and Tourism, has been informed of the decision, and the German governing body have already begun to work on a Business Devlopment Programme for the project.According to an initial plan, Bermuda will not only act as a winter base between September and April, but also be promoted by the GPGA as a golf destination for its members, as well as possibly hosting some of the Association’s tournaments on the Island.The announcement comes on the back of another boost to Bermuda golf, with the news that the Bermuda Amateur Match Play Championship has been granted world ranking status.That means that because points are attached, top amateurs from around the world are more likely to attend, and the Royal & Ancient will publicise the event.The championship will be held at the Mid Ocean Club between March 7th March 12th, and the application forms and information will be available by the end of this week.n Bermuda Golf Association are sending a men’s and women’s golf team to the Isle of Wright to represent Bermuda in the 2011 Natwest Island Games from June 25th to July 1st.The BGA would like to ask those who would be interested and available to compete during this time line to contact the BGA office as soon as possible. The golf teams will consist of four men and four women.