Golfing spectacle thrusts Bermuda into global spotlight

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23: “I rang my wife this morning,” said Terry Noel, as he watched the players putt on the iconic 16th hole at Port Royal Golf Course.

“The temperature back home was nine celsius – and she was putting wood on the fire - two sticks. I’d just got out of the pool!”

As an advert for Bermuda, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf is surely hard to beat.

Terry was part of “The Nova Scotia five”, probably the easiest group to spot around the course during the first round of the lucrative four-man event (the loser pockets $200,000).

Along with Michael Noel, Gary McIntyre, Don Murray and Terry Gracie, they all wore their Canadian heritage on matching t-shirts. For Michael and Don, it was a return trip. The others now plan to make it an annual event.

Surely the importance of keeping the tournament on the island in 2013 is not being underestimated. For one, it’s an event that suits Bermuda. It’s a friendly tournament – we’ll see if that holds out when the players go for victory on Wednesday! – and such hospitality clearly comes easy to the officials and organisers, who revelled in the eager crowd.

Marshal: “You better watch Bubba”.

Spectator: “Why, is he your favourite?”

Marshal: “Nah, his ball goes everywhere.”

Boom! All rather harsh, of course, on Bubba Watson who has fast become one of the game’s most recognisable faces with his inventive shots and easy manner. He was at it again in Bermuda, chiding his playing partners and playing up to the gallery. He was clearly happy to be here, and with good reason.

TV shots of the clear blue water past the 15th and 16th holes almost do the real-life experience justice – but not quite. The commentators even put one Bubba aberration down to the distraction of the stunning scenery. Not sure that will wash with his coach but as excuses - and sporting settings - go, it was hard to beat.

Murray – back to the “Nova Scotia Five” – couldn’t get enough. “I really love being here. I think it’s been tough to get tickets, I tried the website and the queue to get them was just brutal.”

I can’t vouch for that, and he’d had a few cold ones, but there’s no doubt it’s become a hugely popular event. For the record, Murray is being hosted by his sister Sandel Smith and her Bermudian husband Ian - another example of the island’s wonderful hospitality that was so clearly in evidence around a glorious Port Royal today.

Now for part two on Wednesday – I hope the “Nova Scotia Five” aren’t too worse for wear.