Andrew Brooks, a PGA professional, golf writer and television commentator, is now the new Director of Golf at the Port Royal Golf Course.

Brooks, 44, started work as Director last month moving from Marriott Tudor Park in Kent.

He arrives in Bermuda at an exciting time because acclaimed designer, Roger Rulewich, an original member of the Trent Jones design team, is remodelling Port Royal.

"I was delighted to accept the offer of the job as Director of Golf at Port Royal and have thoroughly enjoyed my first few weeks on the Island," said Brooks.

"I can confirm Roger's new design is fantastic," he added.

"It's destined to be regarded as the number one course in Bermuda and its 235-yard par-3 16th will undoubtedly be feted as one of the most dramatic holes in world golf."

Premier Ewart Brown has oversight of Bermuda's public golf courses as the Minister of Tourism and Transport.

"Our ability to recruit someone of Andrew's calibre speaks to the high quality of golf we are creating at Port Royal.

"I think Bill Pitt (General Manager) and Andrew Brooks will lead Port Royal into a new era that will make the members pleased and the country proud," said the Premier.

Brooks started his career working as an Assistant Professional at a number of golf clubs in Kent.

He was employed as Head Professional at Woodlands Manor, Gillingham and the London Golf Club and also had spells in both the Philippines and Vietnam before becoming Director of Golf at Marriott Tudor Park in 2007.

Brooks is a qualified pilot and has also worked as a commentator for Talk Sport.

He is an acclaimed teacher and his instructional articles have appeared in several of the top UK golf magazines.

"The Trustee Board is mandated to raise the level of service and standards at Port Royal Golf Course, in support of the Ministry of Tourism's aim of promoting Bermuda as a Golf and Spa destination," said Wendall Brown, Chairman of the Golf Board of Trustees.

"Andrew Brooks has been hired to work with the existing staff and the new Director of Agronomy to deliver the board's objectives."

Brooks will be conducting a great deal of public outreach in the weeks ahead as part of a membership drive to welcome returning members and attract new ones.

He will also be instrumental in the overseas promotion of Port Royal to attract visitors to Bermuda.

The course is set to officially reopen in June 2009.

"It's an exciting opportunity," Brooks said.

"Bermuda has a lot going for it.

"The Island has more courses per square mile than anywhere else in the world and the current redevelopment of Port Royal can only enhance its deserved reputation as a great place to play."