Jim Furyk won Bermuda's second PGA Grand Slam yesterday following a dramatic finish at the Mid Ocean Club.

American Furyk beat Padraig Harrington in a playoff with an eight-foot eagle putt to claim $600,000 in prize money and a "Feel The Love" pink jacket.

Thousands of spectators created a tense Mid Ocean atmosphere — with millions more watching on television across the world — as the contest went down to the wire for the second year in a row.

Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown told The Royal Gazette shortly after presenting Furyk his blazer: "It's been wonderful, absolutely wonderful.

"Oh boy. I'm still pretty hyped by the fact that for two years consecutively we have had playoffs. We couldn't have ordered this any better: the weather, the standard of play and the finish."

The Premier had told Furyk in the prize-giving ceremony on the 18th green: "The pink jacket is meant to signify how much the people of Bermuda appreciate you and want you to feel the love."

Donning his slightly garish new item of clothing for the first time, Furyk said: "I'm feeling the love right now! I don't have one of these in the closet."

He promptly took it back off and posed for a series of photographs in his more orthodox grey T-shirt.

In his speech, PGA president Brian Whitcomb was full of praise for the Mid Ocean Club, Bermuda and Dr. Brown.

Mr. Whitcomb said: "The warmth and the feeling of welcome that comes from the Bermudian people and the Government here in Bermuda is second to none. We feel honoured to celebrate the PGA Grand Slam of Golf here."

He said "a dream was born" when the Premier first contacted the PGA three years ago, and described Dr. Brown as "a man of unbelievable ethical behaviour".

David Ezekiel, captain of the Mid Ocean Club which will next year pass the PGA baton to the renovated Port Royal Golf Course, told this newspaper: "It's been a great two years. Incredible. I've never seen the greens like this, as good as they've been."

Mr. Ezekiel praised the 250 volunteers whose efforts made the event happen.

Spectators included Jodi Virgil, who said: "I don't play golf, but I've had a good time. That goes to show exciting all this is."

Fhia Sherlock, an American who lives on the Island, said: "Before I moved to Bermuda, I had never heard of Bermuda. This gets the name recognised and shows how beautiful the place is."

Chad Townsell said: "To have it at Port Royal next year speaks a lot to Bermuda. It shows everyone Bermuda has got more than one championship course."

For a full report and pictures, see today's Sports pages.