Bermuda is already seeing a return on its $1.5-million investment into the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which is scheduled for the Mid Ocean Club in October.

Hoteliers yesterday spoke enthusiastically of increased bookings over that period, which they claimed was due in no small part, to the fact that legendary golfer Tiger Woods is now eligible to compete.

The world's number one ranked player won the final spot in the 25th annual competition open to the winners of golf's four majors the Masters, the US Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. He joins fellow American Zach Johnson, Argentina's Angel Cabrera and Irishman Padraig Harrington on the Bermuda invite list.

Participation is not compulsory but Transport and Tourism Minister, Premier Ewart Brown (pictured), has said that signs are positive that the 31-year-old superstar will take part.

Bermuda Hotel Association president Michael Winfield, who is also president of Cambridge Beaches, described the event as a "win-win" situation for the island.

"It's a bit difficult to quantify specific reservations, but certainly the major hotels are reporting a surge in business," he said. "And the fact that Tiger is hopefully going to play ¿ I'm not a golfer, but the name that everybody knows is Tiger Woods. "

All signs indicate that October 15-17 will be a wonderful time for Bermuda, he stated.

"Ticket sales have gone extremely well. I think there are very few left. I think it's a very successful idea and will do a lot of good for Bermuda. We have it for two years ¿ which is very important ¿ and all the after-play coverage is going to be tremendous. It's going to be brilliant. It's all good news."

Mr. Winfield said the timing of the event is also fortunate, as it falls at the beginning of the slower season for tourists to the island.

"It's perfectly timed. The hotels are delighted with it. One, it brings immediate business and two, it provides great long-term coverage on the island. It's a win-win situation all round."

His comments were supported by various hoteliers.

Assistant general manager of Ariel Sands Aaron Medeiros said the hotel will be operating at "nearly 100 per cent occupancy" at that time.

"There maybe one or two bookings that are not related to the PGA but most of our guests will be here for that," he said. "We're thrilled about it."

General manager of Grotto Bay, Johannes Martens, said the 201-room property was solidly booked.

"We're sold out over that period," he said. "We're absolutely thrilled."

He said the reservations were actually made before Woods won the 89th PGA Golf Championship at the Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma ¿ his 13th major title ¿ and became eligible to compete in Bermuda.

"We were sold out prior to his win (on August 12)," he said, agreeing that the fact that the hotel was the second closest to the course, gave it an advantage.

Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for the Fairmont Bermuda Shelley Meszoly said bookings at the two properties were also brisk.

"Rooms at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess sold out shortly after the announcement was made that the PGA Grand Slam would be held in Bermuda, when quite a few companies reserved blocks of rooms for their clients," she said.

"As host hotel for the tournament, The Fairmont Southampton is sold out on Wednesday and Thursday during the tournament.

"After Tiger won the PGA Championship we had a surge of bookings and now have only 50-60 rooms remaining on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday."