Top professional golfer Dwayne Pearman's concerns over flying following last week's terrorist attacks in the US have left Bermuda without a team for the upcoming Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - the official qualifier for the World Cup.

Pearman, head pro at Ocean View, had been selected by Bermuda Professional Golfers Association along with Southampton Princess pro Andrew Trott to represent the Island at the 72-hole championship, beginning next Thursday.

But, citing the same security fears that forced postponement of this month's Ryder Cup in England, Pearman said he had no intention of travelling abroad at this time.

And the BPGA have reportedly had no luck in recruiting a replacement with other possible candidates also declining to make the long trip to Asia.

"It was my decision," Pearman said yesterday. "Andrew still wanted to go . . . but I've got a family, I've got a business, I just can't afford to go across the rest of the world and get stuck.

"I'm not doing that.

"With everything that's been going on, I just don't think it's real safe at this point. I'm no fool. It's a long way out there. . . too far away from home to get stuck.

"If it had been a little closer in the States, I might have taken a chance but I'm not going that far to be told I can't get back.

"I understand Andrew's concerns. He's never been before and wants to go. But he doesn't have a family.

"It's a pity no-one else wants to go. But they're not stupid either.

"I feel I've made a good decision and I've just stuck with it. I've felt this way ever since it happened (terrorist attack)."

Pearman, who pulled out of this week's New England Open won by fellow Bermudian Michael Sims for the same reason, said he believed he and Trott could have performed well in Kuala Lumpur.

"I think it would have been a good team," he added. "Andrew's pretty steady, he's been playing well and I think I could have held my own.

"As I said I'm a little disappointed, and I feel sorry for Andrew but I think he understands my position.

"The fact that no-one else wants to go shows that other people share my feelings."

Trott said yesterday he was upset at Bermuda's withdrawal as he had been eagerly looking forward to playing in such a prestigious event.

"I've been playing well and practising a lot," he said. "It's a shame we can't get a replacement for Dwayne."

The BPGA had been criticised for not originally approaching Sims to represent Bermuda. But following Pearman's withdrawal, he too has declined to fill the vacant spot because of other commitments.