New Tourism Minister David Dodwell has become the key figure in a debate over whether the hugely successful golf Shoot-out should return to Mid Ocean Club for a third successive year.

Sponsors Merrill Lynch have already hinted that they are prepared to bring the $600,000 event back to the Island, Mid Ocean are reportedly keen to host the tournament again, and the ball now rests firmly in the court of the Tourism Ministry.

Dodwell said on Sunday he would make a decision on the Shoot-out later this month after his Ministry had examined its entire marketing strategy for golf.

The Minister, who was one of more than 5,000 spectators who watched two-time US Open winner Curtis Strange win last Tuesday's event, said the matter was under review while he looked at the success of the tournament based on television ratings and attendance.

The Ministry ploughed more than half a million dollars into this year's Shoot-out, which went towards marketing, prize-money, hospitality, security and transportation.

Dodwell said the tournament's organisers were happy with the role Bermuda played this year and wanted to return.

However, he said as new Minister he needed to assess the Ministry's entire golf marketing strategy and hoped to have this complete before the tournament was aired across the US and in Bermuda on ABC-TV on November 5.

"We want to assess golf in general,'' he said. "We spend three quarters of a million dollars on golf marketing and that includes the Merrill Lynch tournament.

"I also want to meet with all local clubs both public and private to get feedback about the way golf is promoted. I remain optimistic about it and that includes the Merrill Lynch tournament.'' Meanwhile, the PLP, in a statement released over the weekend, threw their support behind the tournament, urging Government to ensure its continuation.

"The Merrill Lynch Shoot-out golf tournament held in Bermuda for the second year in a row is worthy of continued support by the Government of Bermuda, and on behalf of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party we urge Government to ensure that not only it remains committed to the staging of the event next year, but that the necessary financial support continues to be provided,'' Opposition MPs David Allen and Nelson Bascome said in a joint release.

Allen is the Shadow Tourism Minister while Bascome was recently appointed Shadow Minister for Youth Development, Sport and Recreation.

"It is our understanding that it had been hoped to announce at the conclusion of last week's 1995 tournament the decision to stage the event once again in Bermuda next year,'' the statement continued.

"While a decision on the matter has apparently not yet been made by Government, we wish to re-emphasise our support for the event, which is invaluable to the promotion of Bermuda's tourism product overseas through extensive news media coverage, particularly network telecasting of the tournament to a huge audience in North America. The tournament also serves as an inspiration to local golfers of all ages, and those yet to enter the sport.'' The event is the richest sports tournament staged on the Island, bringing in 10 of the world's top players.

"The Progressive Labour Party for years made calls in Parliament for the organising of such an international golf tournament in Bermuda with participation of top golfers and extensive media coverage to aid our tourism, so naturally we were delighted with the advent of the Merrill Lynch Shoot-out.

"This year some $500,000 was allocated in the Department of Tourism budget to assist in the promotion of the tournament, and it is vital that this funding remains intact if the event is to continue,'' said the two Shadow Ministers.

"The dividends paid back to Bermuda and its tourism industry far outweigh this outlay. The current substantial shortfall in 1995 tourist arrivals makes such a promotional effort more vital than ever. We look forward to Government's speedy announcement that it continues to be committed to next year's staging of the Shoot-out in Bermuda.'' CURTIS STRANGE -- Toast of Mid Ocean in '95.

COREY PAVIN -- Was 1994 Shoot-out winner.