Since winning the last of three Bermuda Open titles nine years ago, the 36-year-old St. George's professional has not played nearly as regularly as he would like to because he has been involved in practically all other phases of the operations at the east end club. But now he plans to fulfil his dream.

Having given up his position as manager early last year, Swan was able to reinforce his belief that he can compete alongside the tour pros by outperforming all of the other local professionals in major tournaments here during the year.

The highlight of the year saw him finish just one stroke behind Tim Conley in the Belmont Invitational and lead the Bermuda players home in the Bermuda Open by placing fifth, just five strokes behind winner Jeff Lewis.

"There is no question in my mind I have the ability to play the game, absolutely no question. I just need to give myself the fullest opportunity and I have learned that you can't put off for tomorrow in your heart what you feel you are capable of achieving today,'' said Swan.

"I am circulating letters, which include my resume and other information, to companies to let them know of my intent to play professional golf seriously overseas.'' He recalled attempting to play overseas last year, but regarded it as being a half-hearted effort because of limited funds after having had to dig into his own pocket.

But he felt it was impossible to accomplish anything short of cash, claiming that the $5,000 he did spend was simply insufficient.

"You just cannot do it properly with little money like I had, you can't go overseas and play for three to four weeks and hope that you can make enough money to keep going for another five to six weeks,'' he said.

After giving the matter much thought, Swan has decided to tackle it like a business, giving it plenty of thought. And he has decided that one necessity is for him to enter into something of this nature with decent backing, "not limited resources''.

"In my letters to the various local companies I am asking if they would consider at least just interviewing me in order to hear what I have to say. I am not asking for any commitment up front, all I want them to do is to listen.

If they indeed feel that they can assist me then it would be beautiful if a sponsorship deal can be worked out,'' said Swan.

He feels that one asset he has is that he is familiar with all phases of golf and has had a very good "understanding of what is required both financially and professionally from a management standpoint'' as he enters talks with prospective sponsors.

And he is quick to note that he is a "very marketable and would be a good investment for any prospective sponsor.'' Swan, who is also serving as temporary manager at Ocean View, has been a professional for many years and during the last 12 has added experience at the administrative level.

He feels that there is little hope when local players venture on periodic trips abroad and play the odd tournament in hopes of making a major breakthrough. Playing regularly among talented players is indeed a prerequisite if a Bermudian is to prosper as a touring pro, he believes.

"We have beautiful courses here and some good players, but competitively I need to be overseas playing consistently with talented players,'' said Swan.

"I must play every day against top players. There is a lot of negative rhetoric when you speak of professional sport here in this sheltered little island. It's easy to tell players you cannot do anything.

"Look at Tim Conley, there was no difference between us going back to 10 years ago, it's just that he kept doing it and went on to win a Nike Tour event. Ken Green also achieved a lot because he was committed,'' said Swan.

One thing Swan has going for himself is a burning desire to give this effort a major push, and he is optimistic that things will work out in his favour.

"My game is far superior now in 1994 than it was 10 years ago. I am a better ball striker and far more knowledgeable player. Once you are committed you have half the battle won.

"I have a business here that I will always oversee, it's what I regard as my insurance policy down the road when I am no longer playing. But my heart and soul is to be a tour player, to play the game at the highest level. That's where the depth of my interest in the game truly lies,'' said Swan.

Swan's ultimate target is to be in tip-top shape for October when the PGA Qualifying Tour tournament takes place. But he realises that if he does exceedingly well prior to that and earns sufficient money he will not have qualify.

His immediate plans are to compete in as many mini tournaments as possible in March and April so that he will be prepared for the US Open qualifying round in May with a view to also entering the line-up for the US Open finals later.

Right now though he remains focused on gathering support in the form of financial help.

KIM SWAN -- "My heart and soul is to be a tour player, to play the game at the highest level.''