Global golf equipment manufacturer Cleveland have thrown their weight behind this month’s Bacardi National Par 3 Championships.Cleveland, who count US open winner Graeme McDowell and multiple-major winner Vijay Singh amongst their professionals, have signed up as equipment sponsors for the tournament.Todd Harman, the president of Cleveland’s US division, will also attend the event where he is expected to run the rule over the competition before deciding if he wants to take it global.“Cleveland have come on board and that’s really good news,” said tournament organiser Anthony Mocklow. “Todd Harman is coming to assertain whether Cleveland can help us take this to become a world championship event.“To me that’s big news, none of the other events in Bermuda have ever done this.”Mocklow, who is the director of golf for Fairmont Southampton and Riddell’s Bay Golf Club, met Harmon at the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida in Januray, and said the link was an example of what could be achieved with a little hard work.“This could be the start of something really fantastic, we’re clearly delighted that we managed to create the connection at the PGA Merchandise Show. If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’re going to get the same result.”Cleveland’s impact is already being felt on the entry list, with club professionals from across the US signing up to test themselves on the tricky Fairmont Southampton course.Among the professionals due to visit for the March 25-27 tournament are Texan John Deny and former PGA Tour professional Ian Leggatt, while Weekapaug Golf Club head professional Susan Bond will also be back to defend her women’s title.According to Mocklow, the entries for the championships are well ahead of last year with some 100 players expected to take part. The registration deadline is March 15, and registration forms can be found at www.fairmont.com.n Canadian Chris Grantier has joined Riddell’s Bay Golf Club as their first assistant professional. Grantier is married to Bermudian Ann Marwick and has visited the Island on numerous occasions to play in local tournamentsn Port Royal Golf Course are holding their annual Taxi Drivers Open on March 17. The event will be a 12 pm shotgun start and is open to local residents only. The cost of entry is $85 ($75 for seniors), and includes lunch and a prize presentation. Call 234-0974 to sign up.