TO the average golfer, the $75,000 price tag might appear a tad on the high side. But those who do indulge will get value for money.

Of that, Bruce Fraser has no doubt.

The former Castle Harbour golf director has been overseeing a complete overhaul of the course which will finally re-open in less than a couple of months' time under the banner of Tucker's Point.

Reduced from a par-71 to par 70 and featuring a number of new holes it will, insists Fraser, be the best golf course in Bermuda.

And he backs up that claim by revealing there have been no shortage of takers for the $75,000 founder membership fee.

"We're not having any problems selling memberships," said Fraser this week. "These are founder memberships that we have gone out and networked at various exempt companies, insurance companies and people that we know.

"We've been networking, building up a membership. And I have to say the reception has been very good. We've done well."

"It's a lot of money. But the the $21 million we've spent on this course is a lot of money too.

"And when it's all finished there will be a tennis club, a beach club, a first class complex."

Former members of Castle Harbour are being invited to rejoin for a $20,000 fee and Fraser believes many will take up that offer.

"I think they'd be fools not to," he said.

"We should have all the documents available for charter members soon. They have limited time to decide whether to come back. But from all indications there are a substantial number who are going to take up the offer."

Initially Tucker's Point will open its doors on April 1 with just the front nine available for play. But within two weeks, the entire 18 holes will be unveiled, April 15 having been set as the unofficial opening date.

"There's not going to be any grand opening," revealed Fraser. "We'll probably have some of the press, local and overseas, come in to look at the course, and hold a little tournament.

"Then as we go down the road and the clubhouse is completed, we'll have some kind of extravaganza."

In the meantime, a temporary clubhouse in a small cottage near the old Castle Harbour stables has been completed.

"It looks great," said Fraser, "better than any other clubhouse in Bermuda, and this is just a temporary measure."

As for the course itself, Fraser admits some holes still require "a little more growing time," thus the decision to delay opening of all 18 until mid-April.

"But overall, we're very happy, very very happy at the way it looks," he added.

"Parts of the course look as though they should be played on now. But we're reluctant to open up before it's time and in any case we've just aeriated the greens - a little bit earlier than we would normally do.

"The Tiff-eagle (grass) on the greens is wonderful. The new sand is brilliant.

"Some of the staff actually played at Christmas time, about 14 holes. And they all enjoyed it.

"We think we've got a winner here. I'm very enthusiastic about the opening. I would say it will be the top course to play in Bermuda when it's finished."