Hollywood superstar Samuel L. Jackson has promised a host of showbiz celebrities will turn up at this year's Celebrity Golf Classic tournament.

And organisers of the event, which tees off on June 3, believe it will raise even more cash for Bermudian charities than last year's event.

Yesterday Mr. Jackson, who is visiting the Island to finalise details of the event with sponsors, said: "I'm truly happy to be back in Bermuda. Every time we come back, the warmth and friendship we experience here makes me and my wife feel as though we are returning home.

"There is an enduring grace, charm and vibrancy to this place that confirms Bermuda's special status as a crown jewel among the world's most desirable leisure and recreational destinations.'' The Pulp Fiction star and keen golfer could not confirm the final line-up of Hollywood pals who would be coming to the Island but he did promise some big names from the movie world.

"I won't tell you everybody right now because, in the fast paced world of entertainment there are always last minute switches and, like all good card players, I always keep one or two aces up my sleeve,'' he said.

"But here's a preliminary selection of my friends who have generously agreed to give their time and talents to help Bermudian charities and New York kids.

There's movie stars Andy Garcia, Aidan Quinn, Drew Barrymore and Dean Stockwell plus superstar and Bermudian Michael Douglas.

"And the Six Million Dollar Man himself, Lee Majors will be here again for those of you missed him last year.'' Tourism Minister David Dodwell also gave the event his backing. The Government has upped its sponsorship of the tournament this year to $200,000.

"We watched the event last year and saw the potential of what it can do,'' he said.

The event will raise money by selling off the chance to play a round of golf with a celebrity. Individual player slots will cost $1,250 while a foursome package goes for $5,000. The full sale price will go to the charity that sells the ticket. There will also be a host of subsidiary events over the five days, including a beach party at the Elbow Beach Hotel, a comedy show and a celebrity gala dinner.

Money raised from the event will go to a range of Bermudian charities, as well as Catalog for Giving, an umbrella organisation in New York which helps get needy kids off the street and into self improvement programmes.

This year's tournament was almost put in jeopardy when main sponsors ACE Insurance decided to pull out at the last moment.

But the Elbow Beach Hotel stepped in and is now the event's title sponsor.