News that the PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be held at the public Port Royal Course from next year has been heralded by chairman of the public courses Wendall Brown and politicians from both parties.

Mr. Brown described himself as "ecstatic"at the news of the move, which was announced by Premier Ewart Brown on Tuesday after two years of the PGA event being held at the private Mid Ocean course.

"Now we have it, it's going to be a lot of work. It almost seems daunting, but we're confident," he said.

The course is currently in the midst of a $14 million-renovation. According to Mr. Brown, it is on schedule to re-open in January as long as weather conditions are favourable.

He revealed yesterday that a "director of agronomy" – a grass specialist – has been hired as part of the preparations.

"We've brought in a specialist for the next two years to oversee the course, to make sure it grows in well and maintains the standard the PGA expect," he explained.

The 18th hole was finished last week, and the course will have to be protected for the first six months of re-opening to ensure the surface is in top condition.

That means reducing the number of rounds played, which usually range from 3,000-3,500 per month.

"It won't have a full growing season, as usually the growing season is from May, so for the first three months there will be 1,000 rounds per month and for the next three months there will be 1,200 to 1,500 up to around June or July.

"Then we'll be into growing season" said Mr. Brown.

Tif Eagle grass, a variety of Bermuda grass, has been chosen for the greens. The fairways have been planted with another Bermuda variety called 419.

Mr. Brown also heralded the redesigned course.

"We've made it quite challenging. We've added another 300 yards to the course."The trustees are very excited as we can use it (the Grand Slam) to market it in its first year."

He said attendance figures at this year's Grand Slam were down on last year – possibly because Tiger Woods was expected in 2007 until pulling out at the last minute.

However, he thinks that the move to Port Royal should help boost figures again.

"We're hoping next year that Tiger will come and Port Royal is a much bigger venue, it will accommodate thousands of people.

"You will see the way we've redesigned the course, it's more like an amphitheatre environment, and more people can go around the greens," he said.

Minister of the Environment and Sports Elvin James – a former chairman of the trustees at Port Royal – said: "The switching from the Mid Ocean to a public course is wonderful. I think Port Royal is one of the finest courses that we have on the Island. "

Mr. James said the move will let the rest of the world know that Bermuda has more than one course of championship quality.

"We've showcased the Mid Ocean for the last two years and to now showcase Port Royal in all its new splendour is great."

Meanwhile leader of the Opposition and golf pro KimSwan said:"The opportunity for a world-class public course to play host to a prominent PGA golf event bodes well for public golf.

"The assurance is given that Port Royal will remain an affordable public golf course for local residents and this event, which will receive international attention, will make Port Royal more sought after."

Mr. Swan said he was sure the PGA of America was closely monitoring preparations.

"They have considerable experience in preparing for major events. I am confident that, via a joint effort, they will assist to ensure the course is in immaculate condition," he said.

However, he added:"An internationally-televised event will generate an increased interest in public golf in Bermuda.

"It is important to note that Bermuda today only has one daily fee public golf course the nine-hole Ocean View. "We may need to revisit the availability of the dormant St. George's course in the interim."