Golf writers in the United States and Canada have been raving about the condition of Bermuda's courses in the aftermath of Hurricane Fabian.

The Department of Tourism flew in a group of golf specialists in December to sample the fairways and greens of the Island's eight courses, and in the past week it has paid off with lavish articles in the New York Daily News and Globe and Mail newspapers. Globe and Mail writer Brian Kendall wrote last week: "Six months after the storm, Bermuda is still recovering, but remains just as welcoming and lovely as ever.

"This British colony is on the road to recovery and its landmark greens, which showcase the country's lush terrain and surging tourqoise sea, are back on track."

In the New York Daily News, Jack Mathews was impressed with the way the courses have been restored. "Part of the purpose of the trip was to confirm that Hurricane Fabian, which blew past here in September, left the courses in playing condition," he wrote. "The storm did plenty of damage; two of the Island's biggest hotels are still closed for repairs, as are several restaurants along the coast.

"But other than the stripped branches of the majestic Norfolk pines, and the occasional upturned stump of a rubber tree, cedar or palm, Bermuda was in its postcard splendour."

He described Tucker's Point and Mid-Ocean as "immaculate and challenging", adding "much of the challenge is concentrating on your game when every view is a potential magazine cover, with greens bumping against horizons of upholstered bluffs and torqouise surf".

The Big Apple tabloid reporter had a stroke of luck, bumping into New York Mayor Michael Bloomfield at Tucker's Point.

Mr. Mathews concludes: "As I took in the view on my last hour in Bermuda, I thought of Mark Twain sitting inside the hotel and felt a certain kinship.

"Not that I'll ever agree that golf is a good walk ruined. But from now on, when someone suggests a winter golf getaway in the south-east, I'll say: 'You can go to the Carolinas if you want; I'll take Bermuda'."