A rallying call was issued to Bermudians yesterday to support the PGA Grand Slam of Golf — with the Premier describing the showpiece event as the Island's equivalent of the Olympic Games.

Dr. Brown told a news conference that Bermuda — which is hosting the Masters' contest for the first time from October 15 to 17 — had been given a wonderful marketing opportunity.

"The whole country stands to benefit, but in order to benefit we'll need every citizens' participation," he said.

"The PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be televised in 112 countries, including the United States where it will be available to 89 million television households.

"This event is a marketing opportunity like none other.

"But we are not marketing only our golf courses or our blue waters; we are marketing Bermudians, first and foremost. We want Bermudians to be fully involved in every aspect of the event."

The Premier, who is also Tourism Minister, said in a letter to Grand Slam visitors, to be published in October, he cites Bermuda's friendly people as "our country's number one offering — above our beaches, above our restaurants and above our golf courses".

He added: "When those visitors are here I hope every Bermudian is prepared to prove me right.

"The Grand Slam of Golf is an event that literally reaches every single corner of the world.

"I hope all Bermudians will be unified in their support of the Grand Slam.

"Together we can make it a shining moment for our country."

Tiger Woods, considered by many the world's number one sportsman, qualified for the 36-hole Grand Slam, which will take place at the exclusive Mid Ocean Club, after winning the PGA Championship at the weekend.

Attendance is not compulsory and Dr. Brown admitted: "Although four talented golfers, including Tiger Woods, have qualified for this event, it is possible, though unlikely, that one could back out. I have been assured by PGA officials that they expect all four of the golfers who have won the Majors to be in Bermuda.

"In the meantime, the responsible thing for us to do is prepare for success. No matter which players come to Bermuda it does not change the fact that the Grand Slam is coming to Bermuda.

"It will still be the biggest marketing stage ever assembled in this country's history. In many ways this is Bermuda's equivalent of the Olympic Games. We must be ready."

One-day tickets for October 16 and 17 have already sold out though locals can still buy $150 three-day passes and tickets for the golf clinic and pro-am exhibition on October 15 from the PGA website at www.PGA.com or by calling 1-800-PGA-Golf.

Dr. Brown said: "The PGA is thrilled that sales have exceeded what they were at this point last year when the Grand Slam was played in Hawaii."

He revealed that two dozen flat screen televisions will be placed around the Island to allow those not at the game to watch Woods and his three fellow Masters — Angel Cabrera, Padraig Harrington and Zach Johnson — tee off.

Terry West, co vice-chairman of the Mid Ocean Club's Grand Slam Committee, said that about 7,500 tickets had been allocated for the event and about another 1,500 guests would attend. "We are looking at eight to nine thousand people on a single hole," he said. "It's not without its challenges."

Carlton Adams, Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the Police service was working with officials at the Mid Ocean Club and the PGA to organise event security. "It will present some unique challenges for us," he said.