'Shocked' Jacklin compares Bermuda Par 3 to Augusta equivalent

Ryder Cup legend Tony Jacklin declared the Par-3 course at Turtle Hill Golf Course 'a gem' today and compared it to its famed famed equivalent at Augusta National.

Jacklin, 68, the winner of the 1969 Open and the 1970 US Open, is in Bermuda as the star guest for the fourth Bacardi World Par 3 Championship, which tees off tomorrow morning (first tee off time around 7:15am).

The three-time European captain was given a whistle-stop tour of the 18 holes at Southampton Fairmont before his practice round and could not contain his excitement at the condition of the course — and, of course, the stunning Bermuda scenery.

He said: “I’ve just been whizzed at about 50 mph around the golf course and I have to say it’s absolutely spectacular.

“I’m completely shocked at what I’ve seen. Forty odd years ago, with Sir Michael Bonallack and some of my other friends, we used to go round and round the par 3 at Augusta National during the Masters.

“We used to spend more time on that par 3 than on the big course at Augusta — I’ve always been a great fan of par 3’s.

“And I can tell you, it [Augusta] can’t boast what you have here in terms of views. Obviously Augusta is famous for its conditioning but I’ve also seen some conditioning out here that matches it, so it’s going to be an interesting couple of days.”

He added: “The amazing views stand out as does the condition of the course. I can see that the man in charge of the conditioning really knows his stuff.

"But you can’t get views like this anywhere. You can build golf courses anywhere but you can’t get sites like this to build courses on these days. People will come a long way to come to a facility like this and I just think it’s an absolute gem.

“I haven’t played it yet and I’m looking forward to it. I can tell it’s a very high standard and I’m looking forward to going round. I’m pretty rusty – but that’s another story!”

Over 160 players are set to contest the $35,000 purse, with the winner receiving $10,000.

For more information email Director of Golf, Anthony Mocklow at [email protected]