Andrew Brooks, Director of Golf at Port Royal, remains confident that the newly refurbished Southampton lay-out will be up to par in time to host October's PGA Grand Slam.

With the event just months away, concerns have been raised that Government's signature course will not be ready to host this year's big event, previously held at Mid Ocean Club.

"There are still areas to grow in . . . but this will be ready by August. We have no worries for the Grand Slam, we are on target," Brooks told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

Earlier this year US PGA officials gave the 6,842-yard Robert Trent Jones jr-designed course their seal of approval after conducting their own inspection, and will be returning at the end of June.

"The US PGA were absolutely thrilled by what they saw. They could not believe what had happened in terms of the extreme makeover as I call it," commented Roddy Carr, the man instrumental in helping to bring the Slam to Bermuda's shores two years ago.

"At the end of the visit they had nothing but praise about the state of the course and reckoned it will be one of the greatest challenges for the Grand Slam since it started about 12 years ago."

Over the past 16 months Port Royal has undergone a $14 million dollar facelift which includes installation of a new reverse osmosis plant, resurfacing of greens and fairways as well as increasing the course's overall yardage from 6,500 to 6,842 yards.

Last week nine holes at theSouthampton course were opened to the public with tee times limited to between 9 a.m. and 11.30 a.m. on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays.

And with measures in place to protect the course from wear and tear, Brooks stands by the decision to reopen the facility to the public ahead of the Grand Slam and is confident it will stand up to the demands.

"The course can handle traffic and it shows the quality of what has been done here," he said.

Brooks revealed that the course's clubhouse, which will feature a pro shop, locker rooms as well as restaurant and bar, will be completed by August and that all the comments he has received on the restored venue have been positive.

"The feedback has been excellent, new shapes and visuals impressed the returning player," he said. "The course is looking great."