Bermuda Golf Association president Bob Legere has welcomed the news that Port Royal could soon benefit from a major facelift ? despite the possibility that next year?s Bermuda Open might have to be played elsewhere.

Legere called the proposed nine-month closure of the Island?s premier public course ? first revealed in yesterday?s ? ?a painful but necessary step? and argued that improvements to the greens as well as the planned addition of several new water hazards were ?long overdue?.

The BGA chief made the comments soon after announcing that the prize money for next week?s Bermuda Open has risen to $60,000 ? more than double the purse for 2005 ? with the winner of the four-round strokeplay tournament set to receive a cheque for $15,000.

Current champion Michael Sims is to return from overseas to defend his title, though he will have his work cut out among an increased field of 64 golfers ? including more than 40 foreign pros.

Port Royal will again be the venue for this year?s championship, though mounting concern over the course?s condition has prompted plans for a complete overhaul ? though a final decision is not expected until later this year.

?We?re very excited about this year?s event and the progress we?ve made in growing it,? Legere said.

?We at the BGA are are particularly grateful for the contributions of (local pros) Andrew Trott and Alex Madeiros, who have done a huge amount of work this year on the fund-raising side of things and have been instrumental in the improvements that we?re seeing.

?The one thing that is in the back our minds though is the possibility that we might have to start looking for an alternative venue given that we?re facing the prospect of Port Royal being closed next year.

?I would like to say publicly, however, that I think it?s a very good idea and a positive step in the right direction. There was a time when that course was considered one of, if not the best public golf course in the world and I can tell you from a design perspective it is an absolute gem.

?For a variety of reasons it has deteriorated in recent years and it is now crying out to be redone. Yes, any potential closure will cost the Government a lot of money because even in its present condition Port Royal is still a big source of revenue.

?But I?m convinced it will be worth it because it has such fantastic potential and a first-class Port Royal would significantly enhance Bermuda?s golf product.

?So I support the decision 100 percent and I just hope that any renovations they do end up making will take place on schedule because what they?re planning to take on is a very big job and there is a slight danger that something as ambitious as that could overrun.

?The vision behind it though is absolutely right.?