BTA, Politicians On Final PGA Grand Slam

October 13, 2014

PGA grand_slam_logoThe Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] and a bipartisan collection of leaders said they are celebrating the “successful eight-year run of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and calling on local residents to help make the final event the biggest yet.”

“We hope for full galleries and a festive atmosphere at Port Royal Golf Course this week,” said BTA Chief Executive Officer Bill Hanbury.

“Although our public golf course shows spectacularly to audiences around the world on television, we still believe the island’s people is what sets us apart from our competitors.”

A spokesperson said, “We know thousands have collected complimentary tickets this year, we encourage all of them to come out and give the Grand Slam a tremendous send off.

“The Grand Slam begins Monday [Oct 13] with a Pro-Am and the televised two-day tournament follows on Tuesday [Oct 14] and Wednesday [Oct 15].

“The PGA of America offered free tickets to local residents as a gesture of gratitude to the country and reports a demand for tickets that has exceeded previous years.”

Tourism Development and Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell said, “I look forward to seeing the final Grand Slam this week generate as much excitement as the first one back in 2007.

“Retrospectively, I’m pleased to note the Grand Slam has successfully spanned two Governments as well as a transition to the Tourism Authority. It’s an excellent example of what we can accomplish as a country when we have a clear objective and a spirit of cooperation.

“Without question the objective of raising Bermuda’s profile as a premier golf tourism destination has been achieved.  Our mission is accomplished.”

“The PGA Grand Slam of Golf came to Bermuda in 2007, played at Mid Ocean Club. It was the first time the event was played at a location outside of the United States. In 2009 the Grand Slam moved to Port Royal Golf Course. Over eight years of golf broadcasts from Bermuda to more than 100 countries around the world the island heightened its profile as a golf destination.”

“The PGA Grand Slam of Golf has shown our golf courses rank among the best in the world,” said Shadow Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva. “This event has truly been of great value not only over the past eight years, but will continue to give value long after it’s gone.

“I wish the PGA of America the best of luck going forward and look forward to the possibility of working with them in the future.”

“The PGA of America will move the Grand Slam to a golf course in the United States for 2015.”

Former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown was Minister of Tourism in 2007 when the PGA Grand Slam of Golf first moved to Bermuda. He said, “During our administration there was no single sporting event that brought global attention to Bermuda like the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

“The players, patrons and volunteers combined to produce a high quality annual spectacle for Bermuda.  The PGA of America will always be remembered for its unmatched professionalism.

“Roddy Carr, as a result of his efforts to bring the Slam to our country, will reserve his own place in Bermuda’s golf history.”

“A collection of 200 volunteers and juniors work with PGA of America officials to put on the event each year. The Government, the Opposition and the BTA all cheered their valuable contributions to the event’s multiyear success.

“This year’s tournament features four Major champions with familiar faces in the world of sports: Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Bubba Watson and Jim Furyk.

“Fans are allowed to get closer to the pros at the Grand Slam than at any other competitive golf tournament. Because there is only one group of players during the event spectators are permitted to follow the players down the fairways of every hole – standing just a few feet from the action.

“The Bermuda Tourism Authority, Port Royal Golf Course and Fairmont Southampton are co-hosts of the 2014 PGA Grand Slam of Golf.”

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