With Tiger Woods leading the way, golf is the fastest growing sport in the world.

But the idea of taking on 18 holes at one of the Island's premier courses may seem a bit intimidating to the hacker, especially for those who want to make golf fun for the whole family.

That's where the Bermuda Golf Academy, located on Industrial Park Road, Middle Road, Southampton comes in.

The idea for this family facility came to founder and managing director Richard Farge four years ago.

He felt "Bermuda needed family-oriented golf'', and he wanted to see children and their parents enjoying themselves in a wholesome, family environment.

Mr. Farge started golfing when he was ten-years-old. The golf bug bit and golf is Mr. Farge's recreational passion. Mr. Farge elaborated about his golf background: "I was a natural, always a good golfer. I was taught by the top teachers of the world. Over the years I came to appreciate the technical side of golf. I am a PGA Licensed Professional through the local Bermuda PGA.'' Mr. Farge's enthusiasm is apparent.

"Golf is the biggest growing sport in the Western world,'' he said. "In the 70s, it was tennis, but golf is it now. Tiger Woods has contributed so much to golf and has motivated young kids everywhere.'' That is precisely what The Bermuda Golf Academy hopes to do -- motivate kids and parents.

You may be wondering how TBGA could improve your game if you are a seasoned golfer? Mr. Farge explained: "The driving range emulates a golf course because you are hitting to target greens. The putting green on our roof presents 18 holes for putting practice. We also offer bunker practise for sand shots.'' Golf tuition costs $55 per hour or two persons can be taught for the sum of $65. All instructors are PGA professionals.

The academy employs three additional PGA professionals, Jerry Faries, the general manager, Eardley Jones, senior pro, and Leo Custodio.

Mr. Faries was born in Bermuda and began golf as a wee boy living on his grandfather's farm. In fact, the first nine holes of the Belmont Golf Course were a part of Manuel Faries' farm. Younger Faries took oleander branches to make golf clubs and his childhood golf passion grew from there.

"I love golf,'' Mr. Faries says simply.

Asked where his favourite course was, he responded: "Alberta, Canada at the Banff Springs Hotel Golf Course. It's situated in the beautiful Rockies with snow peaked tops. You might see a big bear or moose running across the course.

It's a long hard course with very narrow fairways.'' Mr. Faries was appointed general manager on February 23 this year.

"Our golf academy is one of the feature family places in Bermuda. Our staff, 25 altogether, are friendly and courteous.'' The senior pro, Mr. Jones, has been with the Academy for two years. He believes the academy gives golfers time to practise and have lessons.

Mr. Jones offers a Saturday morning junior programme which runs for six weeks from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. for $70.

"On the sixth week we hold a mini golf tournament played on one of Bermuda's courses like the Southampton Princess. This is very exciting for the kids,'' he said.

If a child does not have clubs, Mr. Jones will provide one during a lesson or practice session. Mr. Jones is working with the Bermuda PGA to implement a junior programme for boys and girls who might not normally have the chance to play.

"It's exciting to teach young people and see them learn golf skills for life,'' concluded Mr. Jones.

Golf takes Mr. Jones abroad frequently and he will be playing in a Pro Am tour in the Azores this month with Mr. Faries.

For 40 years Mr. Custodio has taught golf. When he is not at the Academy, he travels to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Lakelands, Florida to hold clinics.

"The first thing people generally wish to accomplish is driving,'' Mr.

Custodio said. "Everyone wants to drive that little ball into the horizon.

Driving is the most difficult stroke to teach.

"The easiest shots to teach are chips and putts because there's very little swing. It's a terrific game for all and the game of golf is healthy.'' Mr. Custodio most enjoys teaching the "long game''. "Forty years ago I drove 306 yards and I am a small gentleman. I have coached three children who became pros. I have been told that I am excellent with kids. I love to teach and I am a patient pro,'' he concluded.

During the day one can come out and hit a bucket of balls for $4 and after sunset $5. If you don't own a club you can borrow or rent one for $1.

Fun for the whole family is the theme at the Golf Academy and a big attraction for the family is Miniature Golf.

The academy features a cleverly designed, 18-hole mini-course that's beautifully landscaped and provides great entertainment value and challenging play for all ages. Putters are provided free.

Special rates apply to groups or conventions and you can play seven days a week rain, blow or shine. Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Fees are children under 10: $6, children 10-16 after sunset: $7. Adults:$7-$8 after sunset.

A jungle gym provides a safe, enclosed play area for children too small to swing a club.

And after all the those activities it is nice to have a cool drink outside or eat at the "Wedge & Divot'' restaurant in the clubhouse run by Terry Field, the restaurant manager. During the summer the outdoor barbeque will be cooking burgers, steaks and chicken.

You can relax, eat, drink, and watch big screen cable TV tuned to the golf channel, of course. Mrs. Field offers a nice kid's menu and offers birthday parties for kids. Mrs. Fields can be reached at telephone 238-1831 or fax 238-3551.

The behind-the-scenes man, Paul Field, advised: "Soon, we will offer an ice cream window serving soft chocolate and vanilla, cool sherbets, banana splits and sundaes.'' Mr. Field believes the ice cream will be popular with the kids and the parents.

Golf is a passion for many. A saying on the wall of the Wedge & Divot sums it up: "There are many things in Life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart. Pursue those.''