Port Royal: Stars make up for Mickelson absence

Port Royal’s director of golf Alex Madeiros admitted his disappointed at Phil Mickelson’s decision to skip the PGA Grand Slam of Golf but said the stellar line-up will make up for the Open winner’s absence.

Mickelson’s withdrawal from the end-of-season event, which invites the season’s four Major winners to contest a $1.35m purse, was confirmed yesterday, with the American citing an “end-of-season scheduling conflict”.

Irishman Padraig Harrington, himself a three-time Major champion, has been drafted in despite a poor season. As defending champion, he was first in line to fill the vacant spot.

It leaves the cast for the two-round tournament from October 14-16 confirmed as Harrington and three first-time Major winners: Adam Scott (Masters), Justin Rose (US Open) and Jason Dufner (PGA Championship).

But will the absence of ‘Lefty’ take some of the gloss of the event?

“It probably will for some people,” Madeiros told the Bermuda Sun. “But as much as they like him we’ve got Dufner, Rose and Scott, especially, who will make up for that. I love Rose, for example, love the way he plays and his demeanour. It’s going to be a great event, one of our best I think.”

He added: “Overall we are just very excited about the field we have, we’re getting everything ready here and are in preparation mode now.”

Harrington, of course, has his own fan base and will be making his fourth trip to Bermuda, having also finished runner up in 2007 and 2008.

Madeiros said: “Harrington is a great replacement to defend his title.

“He loves Bermuda and Bermuda loves him and the character he brings. I think everyone is excited with the players we have coming.”

Meanwhile, tickets are now available in a special online two-for one offer. Simply go to pgagrandslamofgolf.com. They will go on sale at club shop from September 5.

Tickets for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are $20 each day. A week-long pass for all three days is $50.