Premier Ewart Brown has endorsed the hiring of Eric West as head pro at Port Royal Golf Course, venue for this year's PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

The Island's leader has described the Tour de las Americas, European Challenge and Canadian Tour player as an "excellent choice" and is satisfied that his hiring was done "above board".

He said: "Whenever there is a selection process, somebody is left unhappy. In this case I have been assured that the process was above board and that the candidate selected was an excellent choice."

Brown's comments come in the wake of criticism over West's hiring which has not gone down well among certain members of Bermuda Professional Golfer's Association (BPGA) who claim the 25-year-old lacks the necessary experience. Disgruntled BPGA members met last week to voice their concerns and among them were some of those who unsuccessfully applied for the then vacant position.

Among those who unsuccessfully applied were former European Tour player and Opposition Leader Kim Swan, as well as a host of other pros who have worked at local courses in the past.