Bermuda was celebrating last night after Tiger Woods booked his place in the Island's Grand Slam of Golf. The superstar won a dramatic PGA Championship in Oklahoma yesterday, meaning he qualifies for the showpiece event at the Mid Ocean Club in October.

Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown last night predicted Woods' participation in the contest would help lure millions of extra television viewers, ensuring Bermuda gets maximum exposure across the world throughout the two-day event.

Dr. Brown said setting up the Grand Slam, which is expected to put Bermuda on the world golfing map and attract numerous tourists to the Island over the years, was now his most significant achievement in his three years as Tourism Minister.

Yesterday, the Premier watched the action unfold at Southern Hills Country Club, where Woods, 31, fought off competition from Ernie Els and Woody Austin to clinch his 13th major title.

Dr. Brown, who had to catch a plane home shortly before Woods claimed victory, spoke to The Royal Gazette from Chicago Airport in between flights late last night. "This means a lot, it means a lot," he said. "We will be able to launch our golf and spa season with a great event, and the world's best will be there.

"Tiger Woods is considered the number one sports star in the world. He makes a big difference to an event. The experts tell me that, when he plays, there's a 45 to 50 percent increase in the TV audience. More people are interested."

The PGA of America's Grand Slam of Golf is for the winners of golf's four majors — the Masters, the US Open, the British Open and the PGA Championship. Woods joins Zach Johnson, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington on the invite list. Participation is not compulsory, but Dr. Brown said signs from the PGA were positive.

Asked how a PGA Grand Slam featuring Tiger Woods compared with any other achievements during his spell as Tourism Minister, the Premier said: "This is at the top of the pile."

He said the $1.5 million invested in the event by the Ministry of Tourism would turn out to be money well spent.

"Long-term, we expose Bermuda and create an awareness," he said. "One hundred and twelve countries will see this event. Many of them will see Bermuda for the first time.

"Just think for a moment what this means for us in a global perspective.

"Golf fans in Korea or China who have never thought about coming to Bermuda for golf might consider it after they watch the Grand Slam on television. We have a golden opportunity here to create new interest in Bermuda tourism if we can capitalise on the marketing opportunities in front of us."

The Mid Ocean Club is 400 yards shorter than the Tulsa course, but Dr. Brown said it would still pose a challenge to Woods.

"Of course you have the winds from the ocean and sloping greens. They will make it a challenge for him," he said.