Golfer Kim Swan travels light when he leaves Bermuda. But as he prepares this week to play in two $100,000 events on the Canadian pro tour, he says he's brought an extra something north with him this time.

His golf game.

Swan, unable to make the cut in two events on the Canadian tour on his last visit in 1992, has a revamped swing and an improved mental outlook as he tunes up for Thursday's first round of the Payless Open at the prestigious Uplands Golf Course in Victoria.

"My game has really improved since the last time I was here,'' said Swan, who ran away with the Bermuda PGA championship in January. "The PGA win gave me some confidence, and my ball striking has really improved over the last couple of years.

"I've always been a left-to-right player, but now I can hit it both ways. I can hit it longer if I want to, but I don't force it. I'm also stronger mentally. I just know that I'm an all-round better player than I was back then.'' Swan's improvement hasn't gone unnoticed. His recent results won him an invitation to play in two $100,000 Hooters Tour events in the United States.

Swan was forced to decline the offer, however, as they're also being held over the next two weeks.

Swan is in the $100,000 Payless Open and next week's $125,000 BC Tel Pacific Open in Vancouver on sponsor's exemption. His performance these next two weeks will determine if he plays in the June 15-18 Morningstar International, the third British Columbia stop on the Tour.

"I'll have to play that by ear,'' said the St. George's GC director of golf.

"I have commitments in Bermuda I've got to be cognizant of. But if I win enough money in the first two tournaments, I'll look at what else I want to do. I'll just take it as it comes.'' His improved play has altered Swan's mental approach to events off the Island.

"I feel pretty good and I want to translate that good feeling into successful performances,'' he says. "I'm setting my targets a little higher now. I'm looking to be in contention now. I'm looking to play well.

"I've learned to keep my focus for 18 holes. The key in strong fields like this is to play it shot by shot, day by day.'' KIM SWAN -- Will play in two events on Canadian tour.