Brian Morris is leaving Riddell's Bay Golf Club after it is believed he had a falling out with general manager Dennis Paul.

An announcement in the club's newsletter said the head professional would depart at the end of the month, and The Royal Gazette understands Morris decided that he could not longer work with Paul.

Several club members have described an atmosphere of open hostility between the two and once again it is the head professional who has been the casualty.

Three other professionals have quit Riddell's Bay in the past nine months. Alex Madeiros left soon after Paul was appointed, assistant professional Chris Smith walked out two months ago and Daniel Augustus went to Port Royal.

All the departures have occured since Paul replaced David Warren as general manager.

Neither Paul, who left the Island for several days yesterday, nor Fairmont Southampton and Riddell's Bay Director of Golf, Anthony Mocklow, could be reached for comment.

While Morris has also refused to talk about the situation, one former Riddell's Bay employee said that the head professional's departure had been expected for some time.

The Professional Golfers Association of Bermuda are believed to be looking into the circumstances surrounding the latest exit from Riddell's Bay, and although the association has so far refused to comment, they are known to be concerned about what might happen next.

Morris' departure is in stark contrast to the delight that Paul expressed when he appointed him to the job.

"We have hired Brian Morris to be our Head Golf Professional. We are very excited to have him," said Paul, in July last year.

"Brian is a Bermudian who has been out of the golf business for a little over a year, but is eager and excited about getting back into the business.

"And really what excited me most about Brian had nothing to do with Brian's golf skills, because I already know he's a good golfer. It was his ideas and the energy, and the enthusiasm that he possesses, and that's what I was looking for.

"I want someone who is going to come in and hit the ground running. I wanted someone who was going to come in and say 'you know what, it's a new day, we want to do new things, we want to bring a new energy' that's what our members are looking for so I am very excited that Brian is coming onboard."