Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has offered his advice and encouragement to local fan and Ocean View Golf Club head golf professional Brian Morris ahead of his debut in a PGA Tour event.

Morris, who is battling stage 4 brain cancer, is set to tee off at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course next week after being extended a sponsor exemption.

In a video, Nicklaus, who won 117 professional tournaments including a record 18 majors, said: “Hey Brian, Jack Nicklaus here.

“I wanted to wish you the best of luck in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

“Most important I want you to enjoy your first PGA Tour start and the entire experience because you deserve it.

“What your fellow pros in Bermuda did, offering a pass on a termed exemption if it meant you would receive one, shows the kind of impact you’ve had on people at home and beyond that.

“In the game or outside the ropes, you inspire so many, just as you have inspired me.

“While I have heard you are a fan of mine, please know I am a fan of yours.

“The only bit of advice is the same that I give to many of the young PGA Tour pros. And that is to know who you are, know your game, be yourself, play your game, not someone else’s.

“Brian, I read something that you recently said about confronting challenges and crisis.

“You’ve been dealt a very unfortunate blow. But, as you said, you have created opportunity out of crisis. You have faced this head-on and your spirit and tenacity are truly inspiring.

“Lastly, you said be an example. Well Brian, you are.

“Good luck.”

In response to Nicklaus’s moving gesture, Morris said: “To get a message from Jack Nicklaus is probably the most amazing thing ever. For him to call your name and say he is a fan of yours is pretty cool.

“It’s been some pretty cool stuff happening and I’m blessed. It’s just so cool.

“I was shocked, brought tears to my eyes. The legend of golf, Jack Nicklaus, actually saying he’s a fan of yours and calling your name. How much cooler does it get than that?”

Michael Sims, Camiko Smith, Chaka DeSilva and Damian Palanyandi are the other local players set to compete in the Bermuda Championship to be held from October 28 to 31.

• For the latest Butterfield Bermuda Championship information, visit www.butterfieldbdachampionship.com