Will a contract be signed to guarantee another Grand Slam in Bermuda?

That's yet to be decided.

And if it isn't, could Bermuda become another stop on the ever-expanding European Tour?

According to Graeme McDowell, one of that Tour's most prominent players, it wouldn't be a bad idea.

"This golf course would be a great test for any European Tour event," said this year's US Open champion. " . . . (especially if) we had a stiff breeze across us like we had today.

"Level par is a good score out there, it really is. I certainly concur with the fact that it's good enough for a tour event.

"I'd like to see a full field play that 16th hole. There would be eight groups waiting in the tee box. It would be a nightmare.

"But no, I think the golf course is really, really good. It was in great condition this week, well presented."

The idea was explored a few years back but those in the US PGA reportedly thought it might hurt their own Tour.

Yet the European circuit now includes events played in the Far East and the Middle East. In fact, their most lucrative tournament takes place in Dubai next month.

Tour or not, McDowell wants to return next year – although criteria for an invitation is winning one of the four majors.

"If I earn my way to come back," he smiled, "I'll be back.

"The experience here was amazing. This is the four-ball you want to be a part of.

"The PGA of America put on a great show for us. To be part of a special foursome, it's definitely one you want to play in every year."

It's no suprise that winner Ernie Els enjoyed the course just as much, sinking a number of clutch putts on the back nine.

But like McDowell, he was quick to compliment the Port Royal goundsmen and was impressed by the quality of the greens.

"I think today it was a real challenge," said the South African. "If there's no wind, you can make a lot of birdies around this place. When it's like this and it's probably like this quite often . . . it's really a great challenge. Because it's an island, you get a lot of wind.

"Again, I have to thank the greens staff for getting this golf course in such great condition. The greens were quality. Really everybody, all the players I've spoken to, were very happy the way the golf course was set up.

"I can't see any reason not to keep coming back here. I'll come back . . . I just can't see too many negative things."

As for the pink jacket presented along with his Grand Slam trophy, the Big Easy didn't appear quite as comfortable as he was on the course.

Asked by one reporter how many pink jackets he had in his closet . . . "well, (let's say) it's a nice style," he laughed,

"I live in Palm Beach now but I have to admit I don't have a jacket (like this).

Would it complement the Els Merlot?

"Well, I think I'll stick to the dark rum today."

Watching the three-time major winner was Test great Brian Lara with whom he's been friends for several years.

"We met way back in the early '90s after he did that record-beating innings, I think it was back in '94," said Els. "We've known each other for a very long time. We've become good friends. He's a very avid golfer himself now.

"I was really happy to see him this week. I didn't know he was coming. We played golf in the Pro-Am. Now that I'm living in Florida, I said to him, he's got to come and help me make money over weekends against my members there at the Bears Club

"But we're going to play some more golf in the future and spend some more time together. It's been nice to see him again."

Lara, who walked the course with his girlfriend, was another who vowed to return to play the Southampton course.

"I've been to a couple of courses to watch tournaments – the PGA at Wingfoot. But this is just beautiful.

"I played here about six years ago but obviously it wasn't as pristine as it is now. I understand they've taken away a lot of the trees and they've opened it up to the ocean. I'm looking forward to coming back."