opening of Bermuda's latest golf facility yesterday -- the long-awaited driving range at Ocean View.

The range is the newest addition to the Devonshire course into which Government has poured millions of dollars over the last few years, transforming it from Bermuda's "working man's course'' into a first-class nine hole lay-out.

Yesterday's opening came just a day after the newly-designed par five first hole was put into play, completing several months of course renovations. The new clubhouse, with pro shop and banquet hall, opened last year and since manager Bill Pitt, the former assistant boss at Port Royal, took over the reins a year ago, improvements to the course have continued at a steady rate.

It's the range, however, which many feel will boost club membership and increase the number of visitors to the course.

Up until yesterday, Bermuda boasted just two ranges, at Port Royal and the privately-owned Mid Ocean Club where members can only hit low compression balls and are unable to use a driver.

With golf continuing to grow in popularity, there has long been a need for a centrally-located range to serve those working in Hamilton.

As Minister Gibbons pointed out, Ocean View's facility will likely appeal to those wanting to hone their game during the lunch-break and after work.

Stretching uphill for 240 yards on what was once fairway for Ocean View's sixth hole, the new range can accommodate 17 golfers at any one time.

The range will open at 7.30 in the morning and last time for purchasing tokens will be 6.15 p.m.

A trio of former champions and three visitors are included in a field of 32 who will tee off in the first round of the 54-hole Bermuda Senior Golf Championships at Belmont tomorrow.

Three-time winners Peter Tucker (1986, 1988, 1993) and Jack Wahl (1987, 1989, 1991) along with Noel Van Putten who won in 1990 and 1992 will be considered the favourites, although a challenge of unknown quantity will come from England's Harry Freeman and American Harrison Mackey. Another American John Howell makes a return trip.

Absent is the defending champion Bert Redford who is currently off the Island.

FORE! -- Works and Engineering Minister Leonard Gibbons fires the first ball off the new Ocean View Golf Club driving range which was officially opened to the public yesterday.