Dodwell on why Brit was hired to push golf

Tourism chiefs have explained the decision to appoint a US-based consultant to promote the island as a golfing destination.

Tourism Board Chairman David Dodwell said the appointment of Briton Andrew Brooks made “perfect sense” because of his extensive experience and connections in the world of golf.

The appointment made front page news in The Royal Gazette, with critics suggesting a Bermudian should have been given the job.  

Mr Dodwell explained that the position was not advertised because the Board was simply employing Mr Brook’s consultancy firm, which is based in South Carolina in the US.

And he told the Bermuda Sun that the move had received widespread support since it was announced earlier this week.

He added: “Since leaving Bermuda ,Andrew Brooks has formed his own consultancy business on the East Coast of the US and so already has contacts and a network set up there.

“His time in Bermuda is really going to be limited to three or four visits a year.

“And it is also important to note that part of his compensation will be incentive driven.

“It was a pretty straight forward decision in terms of what we wanted to achieve and when we wanted to achieve it.

“The simple fact is that golf rounds are significantly down in Bermuda, which affects everything from jobs to hotel occupancy.

“A major US golf tour operator recently commented that Bermuda golf is floundering.  This is one of the reasons why we have hired Mr Brooks to address this situation.”

John Harvey, President of the Bermuda Hotel Association, added: “This is a time when we do not have the luxury of thinking about it for the next year.

“This is a good decision and Mr Brooks is the ideal man for the job at this point in time.

“His appointment enables the Board to get to work straight away with making more inroads into the golfing world and getting more visitors coming into Bermuda.”

Mr Brooks previously headed up operations at Port Royal Golf Course before moving to the East Coast of the US.

Businessman Craig Christensen also welcomed the appointment of Mr Brooks.

He told the Sun: “I think it’s a great move to have somebody overseeing the promotion of golf.

“Andrew is a very experienced person having worked at Port Royal. He is very passionate about Bermuda and this will only enhance the golf product to the benefit of everyone in Bermuda.”

A statement released by the Tourism Board added: “We needed to have a professional who understood the game of golf, but more importantly, understood the distribution network of golf, who could identify with key providers, meet with them and develop joint plans to bring more golfers to Bermuda.

“In developing the needs, members of the Board had the opportunity to talk to professionals involved in golf and hospitality both locally and abroad.  One individual kept emerging as being perfect for this position.”