According to the age-old adage, proper preparation prevents poor performance.

And newly crowned Bermuda Open golf champion Dwayne Pearman wouldn't argue with that after attributing his first Open championship victory in 14 years to hours of practice.

Entering the final round at Port Royal on Sunday with a three-stroke advantage over a chasing pack of American pros, including long-time rival and last year's runner-up Tim Conley, the 39-year-old Ocean View professional managed to keep his cool even when he was pegged back at the 16th hole.

While Pearman three-putted for bogey, Conley carded birdie and the stage was set for a dramatic final two holes.

But the Bermudian, refusing to buckle under the pressure, coolly holed his second birdie of the day at the par-five 17th which proved just enough.

An 18-inch putt for par on the 18th in front of a substantial home gallery which had encouraged him through the back nine was little more than a formality as Pearman finally ended an Open drought which had plagued him since his last win in 1988.

His final round 70 left him with a 72-hole total of one-under-par 283 - one stroke ahead of Conley.

“I just want to thank my wife and kids for being patient,” said Pearman, who bagged $12,000 for his efforts.

“Golf really takes up a lot of time and practice and over the years they have been very patient and stuck it out with me.

“The last couple of years things have been kind of quiet for me playing-wise.

“But I've certainly been putting my time in practising and really it was all just a matter of time before things finally came together. So I guess last week was finally my turn.”

Indeed, perseverance finally paid handsome dividends for Pearman who also helped himself to an early birthday present. He's set to turn 40 next month.

“I guess you can say that I'm getting better with age,” he quipped.

“I haven't been playing too badly over the years as I've managed to place a few seconds and thirds but after 14 years it's really nice to finally come off with a win.

“I just had to be patient and keep plugging away at it.”

He recalled the defining moment heading to the 17th where he clinched the tournament with a glorious drive, an approach to the bank fronting the green, a neat chip and a birdie putt.

“We were even after 16 with two holes to play so really it could have gone either way,” said Pearman.

“There's really nothing else you can do when someone is playing good but I knew that I was putting well and so I figured that if I could keep hitting the greens then I would be alright.”

The strategy paid off.

“I just had to remain focused and concentrate on my game. He (Conley) made a really good charge and I'm glad that I was able to hang in there and not get rattled,” added Pearman, who finished tied for ninth place during the Sata Azores Open in the Azores a week prior to the Bermuda Open.

The veteran pro has now set his sights on December's Goodwill Pro-Am where again he hopes to do well, though for the moment he says that a little rest and relaxation is in order.

“I am going to take a little break for a while and do some work and then just see what happens.”