January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.
Pearman: 'Cink is the favourite'
Cink, who has pocketed over 27 million in career earnings, will be among this year's Grand Slam foursome that will compete for the $1.35 million up for grabs.
And Pearman, who recently represented Bermuda in World Cup qualifiers in South America, believes the 36-year old American will be the man to beat at the newly refurbished Port Royal next week.
He said: "Stewart Cink is my pick because he is a pretty steady golfer. Angel Cabrera is also a pretty steady golfer, but not as steady as Stewart who I think will win this year."
This year's remaining PGA Grand Slam field consists of U.S. Open winner Lucas Glover, PGA Championship winner Y.E. Yang and Masters champion Angel Cabrera.
Argentine Cabrera won the 2007 PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Mid Ocean Club following a dramatic play-off with Irishman Padraig Harrington.
Pearman continued: "All in all I think we have a good field this year and you have to remember these guys are all major winners. To win a major they have to be halfway decent players and so you have to give credit where it is due. I think it's going to be a good tournament that the public will enjoy."
Pearman, a past Bermuda Open and Belmont Invitational winner, said he hopes the island's aspiring golfers will get the opportunity to witness some of the best in the business ply their trade in local settings.
He said: "These guys are well known golfers and it would be nice if the youngsters could come out and learn something from them. These are some of the best golfers in the world who put a lot of time into the game and it has paid off for them."
As for the refurbished 6,842-yard, par 71 Southampton layout, Pearman could barely contain his joy over the new look golf course that he now rates as "the island's best".
He said: "The golf course is in great shape and I think the players are going to be amazed. Everyone involved has done a great job at Port Royal.
"I remember when the course opened in 1970 but to see how it looks today. . . I think it is even more challenging and looks better than before.
"When you stand up by the club and look over number 15 and 16 it's such a beautiful sight. It looks very beautiful and to be truthful I think we have the best golf course on the island."
As stunning as Port Royal may appear to the eyes, it also has its demons, which could ruin any golfer's day - depending on weather conditions and "tricky greens".
"If the wind comes up the course could give them (Grand Slam foursome) a good challenge but if it stays calm these guys could shoot a couple of good numbers. But hopefully it will be windy to give the guys something to go for and the public something to see," Pearman said.
"All the par threes are pretty tough. Number 16 could be around 235 yards and, if the wind comes up, those guys are going to hitting three irons down there which could be really interesting.
"There are a couple of good holes here where they will have to pay
attention to.
"As far as the greens are concerned, if they are playing fast and you get on the wrong side of them things may really get tough. That is what is really going to make the difference - the greens.
"They weren't as fast as they can be when I last played on them. But by the time the tournament comes around they should be at a good speed."
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