Dwayne Pearman has joined distinguished company after being named as an honorary member of the Bermuda Professional Golfers Association.

The multiple Bermuda Open, Bermuda PGA Championship and Bermuda Matchplay champion had the honour bestowed during the association’s recent annual general meeting.

Quinton Sherlock Jr, the BPGA president, said Pearman’s remarkable exploits in the game and positive influence on hispeers made him a worthy candidate for the honour.

“It was a no-brainer to accept Dwayne Pearman as an honorary member of the Bermuda Professional Golfers Association,” he told The Royal Gazette.

“He’s been winning pro golf events on the island for multiple decades, probably dating back to the 1980s and 90s, and has also been an inspiration for many of us pros on the island.

“At this point in time he was the only candidate put forward, and it was unanimous with everyone in attendance agreeing that he os a most deserving person to become an honorary member of the Bermuda Professional Golfers Association for his longevity in the sport, for his contributions to the game and what he means to all of us.”

Pearman, 62, was both humbled and gracious to have received the recognition.

“It was definitely an honour to be nominated and ranks up there for me,” he said. “Golf has been a part of me for many years and to become an honorary member is awesome.

“I have been a member of the BPGA for 39 years and so I'm very grateful.”

Pearman now joins the likes of late PGA Tour player Chi Chi Rodriguez and local legends Frankie Rabain, Kim Swan, Keith Smith and Cornell Bean as honorary members.

“It’s a wonderful thing and next year Dwayne will celebrate 40 years in the association,” said three-times Bermuda Open champion Swan, who represented Bermuda along with Pearman at the 1983 World Cup in Orlando Florida.

“Dwayne started within the industry as an entered apprentice under Frankie Rabain and is a now a very competitive tournament player.

“He has represented Bermuda multiple times in the World Cup of Golf and Dunhill Cups and won the Bermuda Open twice and the local PGA Championship [13 times] more than anybody.

“Dwayne has done well and also won a mini tour event in what was the JC Goosie Tour back in the early 1990s, so he is a very good player both here and abroad.”

Pearman, who is also a former Ocean View head professional, enjoyed success last year after achieving two victories on the way to securing the Gosling’s Moongate Tour Order of Merit.

“I had a pretty good year last year,” Pearman said. “I didn't really have any goals, I just tried to play well and do the best I can in tournaments and have fun.”

He now hopes to build on that and continue upstaging his younger counterparts this year.

“I want to try and stay healthy, keep practising and see what happens,” he added. “Hopefully I can get a few wins and surprise the young boys every now and then.”