By Magnus Henagulph Golfers playing at Port Royal Golf course in Southampton have had to play on grassless fairways despite last year's investment of $1 million for new irrigation equipment.

However, these problems will soon be a thing of the past according to Government backbencher and Chairman of Government Golf Course Trustees, Elvin James who was quick to play down complaints yesterday.

Several letters criticising the condition of the course -- which is between $106 and $116 for a round with a cart -- as well as the lack of restaurant and bar facilities have been printed in The Royal Gazette recently, and several members and players have voiced similar concerns.

Mr. James explained that problems with the course had been encountered a few months ago and that a couple of fairways had experienced dry patches.

To solve the problem, Government brought in an agronomist -- a soil expert -- from the United States Golf Association (USGA) who discovered that an adverse chemical reaction had taken place with fertilisers which resulted in the grass dying.

Mr. James said the expert took some soil samples and advised on the best solution to the problem.

As a result, large areas of the fairways were "airified'' -- a method of filtering air through soil -- and new seed and sod put down.

Problems had also occurred two months ago due to heavy rain and very little sunshine.

"Most areas have come back beautifully,'' said Mr. James, adding that the only problem now was the 18th fairway.

He also said the greens were in "tremendous shape''.

However, Mr. James explained: "This time of year you get some dry patches with the winter grass dying and the summer grass coming in.'' He predicted that "within the next three weeks it should be back to normal excellent condition.

"As long as we get some sunshine and seeds sprouting, all should be good,'' he said.

Mr. James also said that the workmen who care for the course take great pride in their job, and they have been working "feverishly'' to get it back in tip-top shape.

Addressing concerns about the cutting down of trees he said the trees in question were casuarinas which the expert from the US recommended be trimmed as areas of grass were not getting enough sunlight.

Mr. James explained that they were also very messy trees and the droppings killed the grass beneath them.

And golfers upset at the lack of restaurant facilities will be happy to know that a new concessionaire has taken over the restaurant and bar, now called `The Putters Green'.

Mr. James said that the restaurant had been closed for a two- week period while renovations were carried out, but during that time the halfway house was open and a refreshment cart was making rounds on the course.

The restaurant has been open for a week and he said that the new operators offer a great menu and were extremely enthusiastic.

Mr. James also addressed concerns voiced in letters to The Royal Gazette in which complaints had been aimed at staff members.

He said that the workers at the course were very courteous people and that not many golfers ever had reason to grumble.

He said the letter writer had complained about something every step of the way, and claimed: "no facility is that bad''.

And he encouraged people to use the facility and experience first hand the politeness of the staff.

"We are proud of the course since we have been running it,'' said Mr. James, and he said the course had received tremendous praise during the last Bermuda Open.

He also said that now that the adverse chemical reaction and winter were over, "we will keep the course in the usual tip-top shape''.

"The Bermudian public will enjoy a wonderful summer of golf at all of the Government golf courses,'' said Mr. James.

"We have tremendous staff that takes pride in what they do,'' and he said that staff were likely to be more unhappy than golfers with the condition of the course, and critical comments printed in the paper.

El James