speculation that the annual event may once again be ruled off limits for locals.

The four-day, four-course tournament wrapped up on Friday with victories by the team from Ocean View (in low net) and St.George's (low gross), leaving more than 90 overseas clubs in their wake.

And while publicly no-one has complained about Bermuda's `clean sweep', privately many golfers have expressed concern about the results.

Several years ago, teams from Bermuda clubs were barred from the tournament because officials felt local golfers' knowledge of the courses gave them an unfair advantage over the visitors. But restrictions were eventually relaxed, allowing all of the Bermuda clubs to re-enter.

Tournament director Muriel Parker said yesterday the Goodwill committee would be meeting to discuss the event but did not know when or what was on the agenda. "I have no idea what will happen in the future,'' she said.

The tournament was a public relations headache in other areas, as well.

First Parker, despite protests, disallowed a replacement for veteran Meadow Brook (Reading, Massachusetts) pro Ed Whalley when he reinjured his hand just before the tournament.

And last Tuesday, fierce wind and rain wiped out second-day competition, forcing organisers to cancel the annual Wednesday professional tournament for the first time.