running a golf club and politics, a new-look Kim Swan emerged from the Bermuda Open.

And while Swan was disappointed not to land his first Bermuda Open title in nine years last week's performance against a tough overseas field bodes well for the future.

The $2,835 cheque, which is his biggest since he started playing seriously again last summer when he went to Canada, was very well received considering the financial obligations he will have to meet during his travels overseas for more tournaments in the coming months.

Just as important, his performance in the Bermuda Open has left the 36-year-old much to build on. He left for the Jamaican Open yesterday and will then head for the World Cup in Orlando, Florida, where he will team up with Dwayne Pearman in representing Bermuda.

"I was a little disappointed I didn't win the tournament because obviously I went out there to win,'' said Swan of the $40,000 Open, which was sponsored by the Bermuda Angle Group of Companies.

"I'm not disappointed in that the future looks promising. This was what I needed to boost my confidence. It was an excellent gauge. But to be better you have to go overseas because a person can't be a world-class golfer by waiting for the Bermuda Open to come along once a year.'' Swan was well in contention for his first Open title since 1984 and his fourth overall after rounds of 73, 69 and 71 on the first three days left him just a stroke out of first place going into the final round on Sunday. But then he shot his worst round of 75 to finish five strokes behind winner Jeff Lewis.

"My game has come up to a different level, back to where it was in 1984 when I went into self-imposed hibernation, running a club at St. George's and getting into politics as well,'' Swan said of his re-emergence.

"I've put a lot of money and effort into my game this year and I've been seeing signs of recovery.'' He credits his success in the tournament to his caddy Cal (Rocky) Hendrickson, with whom he learned the game from Herman Santucci.

"A lot of the things I had forgotten Rocky brought back in focus,'' said Swan. "Rocky made a big difference. Before the game we were talking a lot about golf. His being there last week was a big help for me.'' Swan started the final day with a par and then birdie to take the lead, which he relinquished just as quickly. "I got off to a good start but holes four, five, six and seven were very costly because I lost ground when I had the momentum in my favour,'' he explained.

"I came back with birdies on nine and 10. I was at even par going out and then had to play one under par in and I would have had a play-off. On number 13 I wasn't aggressive enough. To make bogey on 13 was a very costly mistake, but I could have been more aggressive on the tee.

"I made four birdies under the heat of competition, 14 birdies and an eagle for the whole tournament.

"I played the par fives (two, seven and 17) seven under par for the week and never bogeyed any of them.'' The Bermuda Open gone for another year, Swan is already looking forward to his next overseas tournament -- the Jamaican Open in Montego Bay, which has a $US100,000 purse, and which will feature new Bermuda Open champion Lewis.

There is a first prize of $26,000.

"There is no reason why the Bermuda Open can't be a $100,000 tournament like the Jamaican Open,'' said Swan. "I only wish that people in Bermuda would start working together rather than have separate agendas.'' Swan, who a couple of years ago was encouraging Pearman to pursue playing on the mini-tour overseas, is doing just that himself now though, like Pearman, the lack of a sponsor is making it difficult. He also does not feel that age is against him.

"Gary Player just won $100,000 at the age of 60,'' he said. "I want to get my game up to a certain level first before I go pounding on somebody's door.'' From Jamaica, Swan will travel to Florida a week early to prepare for his second World Cup (the last was in 1984) with two mini-tour events on the North Florida PGA Winter Tour. "It doesn't just stop at the World Cup, I'm looking at '94 and '95,'' he added.

"One of my targets is the '94 Tour school, but I need to develop my game to be able to compete at that level. I've got more courage and I believe in my game more.'' Swan added: "After the World Cup I'm going to evaluate my schedule. My options are Canada, Asia, South America and the mini-tours in Florida. I'm leaning towards the Canadian and mini-tours in Florida because of proximity.'' KIM SWAN -- Looking ahead to brighter things.

BUDDY JOELL -- During action on Sunday.