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I've been called a lot of different things in my time but rarely has it been that of optimist. Despite that, it just might be a fair call for me as I am really beginning to believe that the Bermuda Golf Association's light is about to shine a whole lot brighter.

Actually, my optimism is simply a function of my never wanting to say die to a pursuit that I believe has merit. For instance, I absolutely believe that the BGA can be a vibrant and robust organization, one that can attract good players from both home and abroad. I believe that the BGA can put on good golf events, ones that will provide challenge, excitement and fun for all who participate.

Since I'm spouting on about what I believe, I also believe that the Bermuda village will respond positively to the new and improved BGA by providing strong support to move it even further forward.

Of course, if I were to put a bit of reality into my ranting, maybe I'd admit that the light is just a twinkle at the moment. Nevertheless, just as eggs are eggs, it won't be long before that light starts to burn brightly.

Here's what's on the go. Going forward, the BGA has committed to step up its overseas participation. While it will be enormously expensive to do this, the BGA wants to provide as much overseas competition to its elite players as possible. Funding initiatives will need to be developed, however, what is essential is that the BGA develops a programme of overseas competition that provides and promotes incentive to play better.

In December, Daniel Augustus and Tariqah Walikram will participate in the Dixie Amateur in Florida, a prestigious amateur event. They earned this opportunity as a result of their respective victories in the Bermuda Amateur Stroke Play Championships earlier in the year.

In January 2010, a team of two ladies and a team of two men will head down to Argentina to participate in the Copa de las Americas Tournament. While the two ladies have been pre-selected, based on performance to date, the two men will be determined by way of a 36 hole playoff in December at Port Royal Golf Course. Invitations to 15 men are in the process of being sent out, with the low two qualifiers earning the privilege of representing their country at this event.

We expect to see much change in the BGA in 2010. The monthly medals are expected to be reinvented as six 36 hole medals, one at each golf course.

The men and lady winners of the Medal Series will earn the privilege to represent Bermuda overseas. The BGA majors are expected to see increased participation from overseas golfers, golfers who can play the game a little bit and who will challenge our local players to raise their game.

None of this will come easy, and it will take increased financial and human resource to pull it together. To be sure, though, it is a pursuit that has merit, and the rebuilding of the BGA into a vibrant provider of golf in Bermuda is worthy of effort by all of us.[[In-content Ad]]

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