Reports that another of Bermuda's public golf courses could shut this summer - leaving just one open for tourists to play - has sparked anger and concern.

According to Ed Ball of the Bermuda Public Services Union, news of the possible closure of the St. George's course was broken to staff there on Wednesday.

Wendell Brown, chairman of the trustees of the Island's three public courses, reportedly pledged at the meeting to assist the 15-18 staff affected in finding alternative employment.

There has been no official word on why or when the 18-hole course may close down, although the likely reason is a plan to redevelop it with a design by famed golfer Nick Faldo - part of proposals for the new Park Hyatt hotel slated for the Club Med site.

The Port Royal 18-hole course in Southampton is currently in the midst of a $14 million renovation, and is not due to reopen until January 2009.

It is possible, therefore, that locals and visitors will only have the nine-hole course at Ocean View to play an affordable round this summer.

Opposition Leader Kim Swan opened the St. George's course in 1985 and has been closely associated with it since, including a stint as the resident golf professional. He expressed fear about the impact of its closure on employees and golfers alike.

"There's a great deal of speculation swirling around," he said, citing rumours he's heard that it could shut as early as June to tie in with the demolition of the Club Med hotel.

"Port Royal is closed right now and if St. George's is closed simultaneously it certainly presents a void for golf being one of the major marketing instruments for Government. This course serves visitors and locals quite nicely and with what we hear about it going to a private concern, where will we be as a result?"

"The staff are very concerned and I'm concerned for them as well. It's tough when you drop this type of news on somebody. Before you do that you should know what the plan is. What's the plan for the property? It's not good enough just to have little droppings of information here and there."

Mr. Swan said if Government does not come out with a statement about the situation, he will ask questions in Parliament.

Mr. Ball, general secretary of the BPSU, complained that the union has been kept in the dark about the situation.

"If there's going to be any planned restructure or redundancy, there must be proper discussion. It was a surprise and we had not been informed. That speaks for itself. We're waiting for Government officials to tell us what's happening," he said.

Union president Armell Thomas added: "Why are we always the last to find out? We're looking for respect and dialogue going forward."

Sports Minister Elvin James said questions should be addressed to the Ministry of Tourism, which is responsible for the public golf courses.

"I've nothing to do with that and I can't advise you of anything," he said.

A spokeswoman for Tourism declined to comment, and Mr. Brown could not be contacted.