The final PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda will be free to local residents who want to attend, the PGA of America announced today.

“This is our way of offering a sincere thank you to Bermuda for welcoming the PGA Grand Slam of Golf to the island over the past eight years,” said David Charles, Senior Director of Championships for the PGA of America. “It has been a spectacular run. We’re confident the last Grand Slam in Bermuda will be the best one yet.”

Complimentary tickets will be first available to the public Monday, September 8 and can be collected at the pro shops of Port Royal Golf Course or Turtle Hill Golf Course during normal business hours.

The final day to collect free tickets is Friday, October 10. After that date the ticket price will be $20 each day.

Each fan will be permitted up to four complimentary tickets, good for any day of the Grand Slam.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf moved from Hawaii to Bermuda in 2006. The first time the event was played outside the United States.

Initially, Mid Ocean Golf Club hosted the Grand Slam. In 2009 it moved to Port Royal Golf Course where it has been played ever since. This year it was announced the event would move back to the United States beginning in 2015.

Andy Burrows, Grand Slam Chairman, said: “With this gesture from the PGA of America we should see the biggest galleries in Grand Slam history. I expect a real Bermuda celebration.

“Our team of volunteers will be ready to make it a memorable experience for fans and a great send off for the Grand Slam.”

Charles said: “It’s true what they say about Bermuda and the hospitality of its people. The PGA of America is so grateful for the friendliness and professionalism it has enjoyed over the past eight years. Offering free entry is the sincerest way we could think of to show our appreciation to the country.”

This week Grand Slam tickets will be available for purchase online at pga.com/grandslam. This will allow fans travelling to Bermuda for the event to buy tickets in advance.

The final PGA Grand Slam of Golf in Bermuda takes place from October 13 to 15, featuring four major champions — Bubba Watson (Masters), Martin Kaymer (US Open), Rory McIlroy (PGA and Open Championships) and Jim Furyk (2008 Grand Slam champion). Furyk completes the foursome as an alternate from the Major Champions Point List because McIlroy won two major championships this year and last year’s Grand Slam champion, Adam Scott, was unavailable because of a scheduling conflict.

The Grand Slam is broadcast to a worldwide audience on TNT and is hosted by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Port Royal Golf Course and The Fairmont Southampton.

Ticket-carrying 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 during the event, spectators are permitted to follow the players down the fairways of every hole — standing just a few feet from the action in some cases.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf features a $1.35 million purse, with the winner receiving $600,000, second place $300,000, third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000.