Francis Rabain is a charismatic and popular golf professional at one of the prettiest golf courses in Bermuda - Port Royal.

“As a young man music was my talent but I got married to a beautiful woman, Alora, who was an eight handicap golfer. We were very much in love and still are - and we both love golf.

“I started playing golf, discovered that I had talent and passion for it, and practised a lot here in Bermuda. Then I went to Florida to the Professional Golf Association seminars, where I learned the various aspects of being a teaching pro, golf club repair, accountancy, merchandising and the overall aspects you need to succeed in golf.”

Even if you have never touched a golf club, Mr. Rabain, can give you lessons that could change your life forever.

The Port Royal course charms players with its incredible beauty. The gracefully winding fairway skirts coral cliffs as the sapphire sea sparkles beyond.

“I love to meet people and I love to teach golf in such a beautiful setting. It is easy to be high on life in a place this picturesque. One of the nicest aspects of my job is making friends from all over the world,” said Mr. Rabain.

When you travel the long winding drive, lined with trees, that leads to the golf club you know that you are approaching a special kingdom. This amazing Robert Trent Jones course provides beauty and challenges while providing an ideal test of golf - rewards for good shots and penalties for bad ones.

The lush course, 18 holes of golf amidst 6,565 yards of lush oceanside terrain, offers scenic views of Dockyard and Hamilton. Playing from the back tees, this par 71 course challenges even the finest players from the first to the 18th hole.

“Between the first and 18th are some of the finest holes to be found anywhere. The par-3 16th is the most famous in all of Bermuda. The ball hooked here ends up in the Atlantic Ocean.

“The par 4 first is a dog leg right of 432 yards, and the par-4, 405 yard 18th is an uphill struggle that is alleviated only by thought of the elegant clubhouse, its bar and lounge, cresting the hill top.”

After golf you may wish to have breakfast or lunch at The Putter's Green restaurant sitting atop the 18th with views of the ocean, the 9th and 18th greens. The outdoor dining terrace is particularly nice.

Golf is one of the main focuses of the Rabain family as Mr. Rabain's son, Rawn, is the golf pro at the St. George's Golf Club.

Surprise special someone with a round of golf at Port Royal for about $100 or less depending on tee times. After 4 p.m. the rate is reduced. Lessons cost about $100 for two for half an hour.

“Golf can be a wonderful way for romantic couples to spend quality time together and what's healthier than walking around smelling the ocean and being inspired by this great feast of nature? It makes me happy to be alive,” said Mr. Rabain.

Mr. Rabain is a talented pro and a delightful person who will put you at ease and guide you into the world of golf. In 1987 he was awarded the Certificate of Achievement from The Golfworks, Newark, Ohio. He has a wall of other prestigious awards and golfing credentials received over the years. He can be reached by calling 234-GOLF.

Bermuda has more golf courses per square mile than any county in the world. Bermuda's beautiful landscapes and warm climate make the island perfect for golf, especially from now through next spring.