Stars ready to tee-off at World Par-3 Championships

The scene was set for the Grey Goose World Par-3 Championships as the field tuned up today at Fairmont Southampton’s Turtle Hill GC.

The likes of former Ryder Cup players Ronan Rafferty, Barry Lane and Gordon Brand Jr played practice rounds in preparation for the first round on Saturday.

Other notable people in the field include Mark Mouland, Gary Wolstenholme and Golf Channel’s Charlie Rymer.

Rymer, who will also host the dinner on Saturday night at the hotel, said: “This is my second time back in Bermuda – I’ve been trying to forget the poor golf I played last time, I think I was about 16 over par.

“I tell you I’m here to win this year! I’ve been brushing up on the simulator every day on Morning Drive . I’m good on the simulator, I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to bring it to reality.

“But, wow, the golf course is in magnificent shape and the greens are fast enough, especially for those of us who work in television and don’t get to play golf every day!”

He added: “This golf course is challenging but it’s also a lot of fun. I’m sure it meets the needs of the resort players but it’s also a lot of fun for some of the best players in the world.”

Former European Tour Order of Merit winner Rafferty said: “I played the golf course this morning for the first time and it is absolutely beautiful. 

“When I finished my playing career I did a lot of work on TV where you can be hyper critical about players, especially their short game, so now I have to prove myself and show that at least I have one!”

The first tee off time on Saturday is 7:15am and the last is 2:45pm.