The local qualifier for the upcoming Bermuda Championship will take place at Port Royal Golf Course as originally planned, tournament organisers announced yesterday.

Mid Ocean Club stood prepared to host the qualifier after tree damage caused at the Southampton course by Hurricane Humberto.

However, the Bermuda Championship tournament committee said speedy clean-up of debris by dedicated ground crews has ensured that Port Royal will be ready to host the 36-hole qualifier on October 16 and 17.

The qualifier will determine the final two local participants for the inaugural tournament from October 31 to November 3, also at Port Royal.

“It is a testament to the hard work of the grounds team that we can bring the local qualifier home to Port Royal Golf Course,” said Patrick Horgan III, the tournament executive director.

“The work completed to date to get the course back in tournament condition following the succession of storms and inclement weather is remarkable. That said, we remain extremely grateful to the Mid Ocean Club for offering to accommodate us at such short notice.”

With more than 40 downed trees and piles of debris removed, maintenance staff have now been able to refocus on the 80 bunkers that are being restored at Port Royal. Work is set to be completed by the end of this week.

Entries for the local qualifier are open to professional golfers, amateur golfers and applicants for reinstatement.

To be eligible to compete in the local qualifying event, participants must meet the following criteria:

• Must possess Bermudian status

• Must be a member in good standing of the BGA or BPGA and not subject to any disciplinary process or sanction of either association

• Amateurs and applicants for reinstatement must have an up-to-date handicap index, or equivalent handicap issued from an international body of golf, not exceeding 1.4 under the USGA Handicap System

Entries officially opened yesterday and the fee is $250 for all eligible competitors. Players wishing to enter the event are asked to visit the BGA website at www.bermudagolf.org to access the online application and review the Conditions of Competition.