Tiger Woods' decision to back out of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf next month is disappointing but the event should still be a success, according to Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley who met with Mr. Woods earlier this week.

Mr. Dunkley spoke with Mr. Woods on Wednesday at the Tour Golf Championship in Atlanta, he also met Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson and Angel Cabrera, who will be attending the October tournament in Bermuda along with Padraig Harrington. Mr. Dunkley, who is a former president of the Mid Ocean Club, where the PGA Grand Slam will be held, said: "He was very disappointed that he could not come to Bermuda. He said he spent some time trying to figure out how to [sort out his schedule]. "People need to realise they have a lot of demands on their time and at this point of the golf season they have been on the road for a long time. "He did say that he looked forward to coming to Bermuda in the future and that he would try and qualify for the event next year."Mr. Dunkley added that his decision was understandable considering he and his wife just had their first child, a daughter Sam Alexis, in June.

But he said Bermuda could still expect great international exposure and the three other PGA Gland Slam players he met expressed their interest in visiting various parts of the Island while here.

" I had the chance to speak with them and tell them a bit about Bermuda," he said. "They sounded excited and they all talked about the opportunity to bring their friends and family to the Island and enjoy the rest of Bermuda, not just the tournament."He added that Mr. Furyk, who replaced Mr. Woods in the invitational tournament, was keen to hear about the fishing and diving opportunities on the Island.Mr. Dunkley said he hoped people would still come out and enjoy the tournament despite the loss of Mr. Woods because it adds to the ambience. "You are still getting the best golfers coming to Bermuda," he said. Opposition Sports Minister Randolph Horton also expressed his disappointment at Mr. Woods' withdrawal to the event but insisted the Island had plenty to be positive about as it prepares for next month's tournament."I'm absolutely disappointed, no question about that," said the Minister. "But when you step back and think about it, the fact that Tiger's name has been associated with the event, the suspense that's been there <> Will he come? Won't he come? has given the country a lot of attention. "It just shows you, had he come, one never knows what level it would have taken it to. We are having the event another year. I'm sure Tiger won't say no again." On Woods' reason for pulling out of the Mid Ocean Club showpiece event to spend more time with his wife and baby daughter Mr. Horton said: Family time is important. I wouldn't knock him for wanting to do that."He added that the line-up was still exciting.

"You have to recognise we have four outstanding golfers coming to Bermuda," he said. "These guys are world class golfers in their own right.

"The event itself will be televised around the world. People get to see what Bermuda looks like and have an opportunity to hopefully be encouraged to come to Bermuda one day."