Bermuda's golfing fraternity are welcoming the return of familiar turf - albeit with a fashionable facelift.

On Monday, the new Tucker's Point Golf Course - formerly Castle Harbour - opened to members for the first time in two years and, despite the fact that they could only play nine holes, those who were among the first to re-christen the lush greens offered rave reviews, avccording to Director of Golf Kevin Benevides.

"They were really pleased with the changes and they enjoyed playing on it. They thought it was a fairer course because we have levelled out some of the landing areas but, with the increased length on some holes and of course the new undulations and the speed of the greens, the course is a bit more challenging," he explained, discussing the feedback of the 16 members and guests who tested the course's front nine.

He said the intention was to have some play on the partially-completed course so that any kinks could be identified and ironed out before the full 18 holes are opened at month-end.

The 6 631-yard, par-70 course has been redesigned under the direction of world-famous golf course architect, American Roger Rulewich, who previously worked with Robert Trent Jones.

Remodelled at a cost of $5 million, the golfing landscape is set to be the showpiece of Tucker's Point Club - an ultra-luxurious resort, private club and residential community - scheduled for construction some time in the future.

This course is the only fully-irrigated one on the Island and boasts Bermuda's largest man-made lake as well as a new hybrid Bermuda grass that ensures consistency and speed on each green.

Benevides said the golf club was currently focusing on its membership recruitment drive with the expectation that some 350 to 400 members will come on board.

"We are just beginning with that and we have about 30 members so far," he said, adding that he expected Tucker's Point to be "a plus to Bermuda's tourism".

Construction on a new clubhouse is scheduled to start within the next two months and should be completed in 18 months. At present, the old Castle Harbour stable area is being used for clubhouse purposes.