Bermuda loses Grand Slam of Golf (Update)

This year’s Grand Slam of Golf will be the last held in Bermuda.

The PGA and Bermuda Tourism Authority have decided ‘by mutual agreement’ to call time on the partnership following this year’s eighth tournament on the island in October. The event is now set to move back to mainland US.

The likes of Adam Scott, Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington have graced Bermuda’s courses during the lucrative four-man competition at Mid Ocean, which staged the event in 2007 and 2008, and Port Royal, which took over in 2009.

The tournament is justifiably billed as the hardest to qualify for, with the line-up consisting of the winners from the four Majors — the Open, US Open, Masters and the  PGA Championship.

Previously, the Grand Slam was held in Hawai’i for 13 consecutive years and fans had hoped Bermuda would enjoy a similarly lengthy association with the exhibition event, which boasts a remarkable $1.35 million prize pot.

Losing the event, therefore, will be perceived by many as a setback to Bermuda’s tourism profile, with the live broadcast sending stunning pictures of the island into millions of living rooms worldwide.

Bill Hanbury, CEO of the BTA, said in a press release: “The partnership between the PGA of America and Bermuda has been enormously successful, indeed I think we can say ‘job well done’, for all involved. 

“When the concept of hosting the Grand Slam in Bermuda was first conceived, it was about establishing Bermuda as a pre-eminent golf destination. It was recognized that Bermuda needed to up its golf profile and establish its credibility as a golf destination, these objectives have been more than fulfilled.”

Hanbury added: “The BTA is working on a number of alternatives in the golf world and other global sports event options that can generate positive economic impact. A good example of this is the BTA’s important role in the development of the America’s Cup proposal on behalf of Bermuda.

“We want to sincerely thank the PGA of America for the faith they have placed in Bermuda over eight years. We look forward to continuing to work with them, discussing new ideas with even greater potential. They have become more than important partners, they are good friends to Bermuda and the relationship will continue. As with everything, events evolve and we believe that this decision is in the best interest of both Bermuda and the PGA.”

David Charles, Senior Director, Championships for the PGA of America said: “We have loved working in Bermuda and have formed real partnerships and meaningful friendships.   We are working on a new location for the Grand Slam and details have yet to be released, but it will be on the U.S. mainland.  

“The PGA and BTA are working very hard to make the eighth PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda, the best ever.   We wish Bermuda every success in the future and we know we will continue our relationship with them.”

In a press release, the BTA and PGA acknowledged the important contribution of event partner, Fairmont Southampton and the 200-plus volunteers that supported the event.

Andy Burrows, General Chairman of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf committee, said: “I would like to thank our key partners and all of the volunteers who gave generously of their time over the past 8 years to ensure that the Grand Slam was

So far, Martin Kaymer (US Open) and Bubba Watson (Masters) have earned invites to Port Royal for the Oct 13-15 two-round competition, with The Open and PGA Championships yet to be contested.