If you love golf and long for perfect surroundings, stop dreaming and go to St. George's Golf Course located on 1 Park Road, St. George's.

This popular 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Senior design is breathtakingly beautiful and challenging. It is one of the last courses designed by the 90-year-old prior to his retirement. Visitors and locals enjoy the panoramic ocean views on every hole and the relaxed atmosphere.

Some of the extraordinary views include the Unfinished Church on holes 12 and 16, and 17 depicting Ft. St. Catherine and the hillside. Then there is hole 18 named for the first governor, Richard Moore. You have it all, a perfect beach with palms, a historic fort, a breathtaking view of the Atlantic ocean and pristine greens. These views are a golfer's heaven.

The golf course has many interesting views of ancient St. George's and envelopes the town, much as St. Andrew's does in Scotland, according to Mr.

Swan. You can even see the cruise ship from one vista.

"The golf course and the tranquility of St. George's complement each other.

People are friendly and polite down here,'' he said.

Many visitors from the ship play the course. If the husband wants to play golf and the wife wants to shop, that's not a problem. They can meet at the golf club restaurant and enjoy a wonderful lunch together. The club is a brief walk up Queen Street and straight through Park Gates, up the hill.

Besides golf, another reason this is such a popular spot is the friendly staff. Everyone knows the gregarious golf pro and United Bermuda Party Senator, Kim Swan, and many of the other friendly faces here. It is the type of club where you feel at home on the first visit. The staff are helpful and aim to please.

"My uncle, Herman Bascombe, was a golf pro at Ocean View in the late 1950s and 60s. I just naturally gravitated towards golf. Port Royal Golf Course was near my childhood home and Walter King, the pro, had a big influence on me when I was about 12 years old,'' Sen. Swan said.

Sen. Swan is known to have a passion for golf and believes the game promotes character.

"I love golf. You can play on your own and it is just you and the course. It builds character and it is a great companion. You can play and practise anywhere in the world,'' he said with a smile.

A knowledgeable and patient teacher, Sen. Swan has a vast amount of experience and has played at the highest level all over the world. He has been the champion of three Bermuda Opens.

David Maust, golf course superintendent, ensures the greens are in great shape. Each employee has a valued role and many workers help to achieve success.

"Golf is one of the few games where you are expected to call a penalty on yourself. It motivates high principals and honesty,'' explained Sen. Swan.

This Government facility, open to the public, receives numerous tourists. It is one of the three courses owned and managed by a Consolidated Board of Trustees for the Bermuda Government.

One of the things Sen. Swan enjoys most about his job is the variety of people he meets.

"The tourists love our scenic course because it is beautiful and challenging without being overpowering. One of the nicest points is near Fort St.

Catherine,'' he added.

When first time tourists come, they ask Sen. Swan a series of questions about the other courses, the beaches, and they are seeking the general lay of the land.

"The repeat tourists are interested in renewing rapport and friendship. They ask me how I am and who's still at the club, and what's taking place at the club,'' said Sen. Swan.

"They feel safe walking around in St. George's and they like the cultural attractions of the East End.'' Mr. Swan gave the following recommendations for tourism: "Water and sewage is at the top of my list. We need to harness more water for the golf course. I believe that we could recycle sewage and use it for irrigation. Bermuda as a country has worldwide tourist competition. Water makes the courses lush.

"In other countries they have `effluent plants' to treat the water so it doesn't damage the lands and the water table. Irrigation affects our whole ecosystem.

Continued on page 5 Enjoy cold drinks and great food at Mulligan's in St. George's Golf Club "We need practice and driving ranges for the East End. Golf is great for the family and cruise ship passengers. This gives the player a sampling of golf without costing a lot and without expanding vigorous energy and time.'' Tee times can be reserved as much as six months in advance by filling out an advanced booking form or letter of request and faxing it to 441-297-2273.

Tee times can be made through the Tee Time Reservation System at 441-234-GOLF, seven days in advance with a personal ID number or four days in advance using your credit card. You may email to: (stgeorgesgc ynorthrock.bm).

There is nothing better than a cold, refreshing drink following a morning or afternoon of golf. The restaurant and lounge is a must for food and drink. Go into " Mulligan's Golf Club Restaurant '' and meet Gladwin Paynter , the manager.

Mr. Paynter has been in the restaurant business since he was 16.

"I started at the St. George's Hotel as a roll boy and went on to manage a restaurant at Elbow Beach for 10 years and owned a restaurant on Court Street,'' Mr. Paynter said.

You can breakfast from 7.30 until 11 a.m. You can go continental for $4.50 or choose a three-egg omelette, plain served with toast for the same reasonable fare.

The lunch menu features chef Alfred Konrad's awarding winning fish chowder served with sherry peppers and black rum. The conch fritters served with a tropical pineapple salsa are delicious for $7.50 as is the Cajun chicken breast with zucchini fries for $8.50.

Chef Konrad is known for his delicious tournament buffets! The Friday night suppers, starting at six o'clock and finishing at nine pm, are popular. Friday suppers cost about $24. Mulligan's telephone number is: 297-1836.

The rates are subject to change without notice but currently the green fees per person are $44 and golf carts per person are $18. Summer sunset, after 3 PM, fees drop to $23. Lessons cost $45 per 1 hour. Club Rentals, full set: $20. Most major credit cards are accepted. The telephone number is: 297-8353.

Come out in your Bermuda shorts, relax and live your golf dream.

Golf Pro : Kim Swan is happy on this beautiful green overlooking historic Fort St. Catherine.

Wait staff : Catherine Bell (above) answers questions from visitors at Mulligan's.

Pro Shop : Joanne Odoli shows Courtney Smith a golf swing.

TOURISM TOU