qualifying for the $2.8 million Greater Hartford Open which begins today in Cromwell, Connecticut.

In Monday's qualifying round, Pearman carded a two-under-par 70 to finish sixth out of more than 150 players vying for the four spots in this weekend's tournament.

One stroke better would have put him in the play-offs for the last two qualifying spots. Two years ago when Pearman last tried to qualify for this same tournament he also missed out by one stroke after shooting a 70 which left him as the first alternate for the Greater Hartford Open.

Bobby Gage led the qualifiers with a 66 while one other player finished on 67 and four others carded a 69 which left them battling for the final two places in a play-off.

Pearman returned home yesterday disappointed at coming so close again, but encouraged to know that he is able to compete with top players.

"I figured three-under would be the number, because it was a pretty tough course and the guys don't really burn it up,'' said Pearman last night.

"I played well, had four birdies, an eagle and four bogeys and one three-putt. There were a couple of bogeys I could have eliminated but it's one of those things. "I haven't been playing a whole lot in the last few months but I felt I was playing good enough.'' Pearman has vowed to continue to battle to qualifying for tournaments overseas.

"I think so, I've made a couple of little changes and it feels pretty good,'' said Pearman.

"I'm going to keep trying. I played with some good players and they didn't really hit the ball any better than me. It's just that they are out there playing week after week and that's what makes the difference.

"Most of the time when I am playing real well I'm at home. When I go out there and play in a couple of tournaments and start running hot, it's time to come back home.

"It's hard when you have a family, but I just do the best I can in the circumstances.'' Certainly there are many here who feel Bermuda's top pro has the talent to make it overseas, not least fellow pro Kim Swan who accompanied Pearman on his round.

"The guy's playing world-class golf,'' said Swan who has been pushing for years for Pearman to take his talents to a bigger stage.

"I watched him play 15 of those holes and he's got the game. He made the turn at one-under-par knowing that when he teed off he had to shoot at least 69 or 70.

"He went on 10 and made a three-putt which was a bit unfortunate and then a good par on 11. On 12, a par-five over 530 yards, he made an eagle.'' On the par-five 18th Pearman shot a birdie, knowing that an eagle was required to stay in contention for a qualifying spot. "He played well enough to shoot 65 but had four blemishes on his card,'' said Swan.

"My contention has always been that he needs to be playing out there week in and week out. "His game never left the mark of where it was supposed to be.

He just needs to be doing this for a living.'' Dwayne Pearman: just missed out.