A cluster of top international golf course management companies have shown a keen interest in helping to finance and run a golf academy on land at the US Naval Annex in Southampton.

As many as five organisations, among them International Management Group (IMG), who own a number of sporting facilities and look after the interests of some of the world's leading sportsmen, and Scotland's Gleneagles group, have said they would be interested in developing a golf complex should Government take that route when a decision on the vacant land is finalised.

It's also understood that one of the interested parties is backed by a household name golfer now playing on the Seniors Tour who has previous connections with the Island.

The recommendation for a "destination'' style golf course, complete with driving range, practice holes and teaching profesionals has been submitted to Government by Mansfield (Jimmy) Brock, chairman of the Commission on Competitiveness.

He revealed yesterday that there would be no shortage of financial backers should Government accept his recommendation.

"A number of organisations have expressed an interest,'' said Brock. "I can tell you that two of them are Gleneagles in Scotland and IMG who represent some the biggest names in golf. They're also very big in real estate development.

"I've referred their letters to Government. Now that the recommendation has been made, my involvement is finished.'' Brock said he envisioned a complex that would cater mostly to tourists, particularly in the shoulder season and winter months, but would also accommodate locals.

"Golf packages would need to be put together with the cooperation of the golf course, the hotels and the airlines. Ideally, golfers would be able to book everything in advance, hotel, flight and tee-times, much the same way as golf resorts are run in the US.

"Just look at the weather we've had over the past few days, absolutely perfect for golf. It would be an obvious way of boosting arrivals at this time of year.'' Local businessman are known to be working in conjunction with the various overseas groups, helping to formulate their proposals.

One such executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said yesterday he felt feedback from Government on the recommendation had been "very positive.'' "However, there are a number of questions that need to be answered,'' he added.

"For instance, if a golf academy is to be developed would Government also allow tourist accommodation to border the complex, as is seen at many of the US resorts? "Also we need to know in what state the land is to be handed back. There are a number of buildings on the Annex that would need to be demolished before any development could begin. Who would be responsible for this?''