A veteran TV commentator believes the absence of superstar Tiger Woods will not have a negative impact on next weeks PGA Grand Slam event.

The tournament is being held in Bermuda for the first time with the Mid Ocean Club hosting the event.

It is being televised by TNT and veteran sport journalist and TNT sport commentator Jim Huber spoke to The Royal Gazette about visiting Bermuda for the second time, the tournament without Tiger and why the change of venue is a good thing.

Along with Mr. Huber, the other commentators include Verne Lundquist, former top PGA Tour player Bobby Clampett and Bill Kratzert.

The long time journalist explained he welcomed the change of venue from Hawaii to Bermuda. "We're excited about it. Its nice to have the Grand Slam on the East Coast this time and it's nice to be in a different location. It's been in Hawaii for 15 years. I think the whole world wants to see Bermuda at its finest. It's time for change."

He also said the Champions Dinner he will host October 16 will be formal this year instead of the usual Hawaiian shirts and shorts, giving it a Bermudian feel.

The Emmy Award-winning presenter said even if people are not golf fans, they can still watch the game and enjoy it.

"You sort of sit back and enjoy it because it's so different. It's four men, each one will have a microphone. You get behind the ropes.

"You get to see their personalities, hear them describe their shots and pick which clubs they want to use. They tell jokes. We've heard some funny things over the years. Even if your not a great golf fan, you can enjoy the beauty and the camaraderie between these guys. It's a great experience."

The commentator explained because the event is live, they have no script and everything will be improv.

He has worked at 15 Grand Slams and has covered the Masters, US Open and British Open since 1978.

"No matter how many times you do it, you're still kind of surprised at what you see. You see some strange things", he laughed.

When asked what he thought about the Mid Ocean Club course, Mr. Huber said: "I heard it's short, but tight. I also heard that if the wind blows, it can be really tough and that's what we're hoping for."

The players taking part this year are Masters Champion Zach Johnson, British Open winner Padraig Harrington, 2003 US Open winner Jim Furyk and this year's US Open winner Angel Cabrera.

Speaking about the absence of Tiger Woods, Mr. Huber said it might make the competition better.

"I hate to say it, but I don't think Tigers' absence will diminish the event. I think the personalities that we have and experience we have will make for just as good a tournament. Maybe even more competitive. He seems to run away with these things. But we'll miss him."

Mr. Huber will come to the Island on Saturday with his wife to play a little golf and do some sightseeing before the tournament.

His resume includes CNN, Sports Illustrated, and many PGA events. This year marks his 17th consecutive year working on PGA coverage.

The tournament will be available to over 90 million people in over 100 countries across the globe.