Premier Ewart Brown says the international media are sitting up and taking notice of Bermuda as the knock-on effects of the Island hosting the PGA Grand Slam of Golf start to show. The Premier also revealed his ambition to turn Bermuda's two-year deal with the PGA into a link-up which could stretch further into the future.Dr. Brown, who is also Tourism Minister, addressed more than 100 golf writers from a number of countries while in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to watch the PGA Championship. He said it gave him the opportunity to sell Bermuda as a golf destination and discuss the level of excitement building on the Island. "I told them (the golf writers) the PGA made an excellent choice when it decided to move the tournament to Bermuda," said the Premier."The whole country will be tuned in. I wanted the reporters to know they should not be fooled by our size, there are a lot of golfers and a lot of golf courses in Bermuda. We want vacationing golfers to come and experience, at least once, what Bermudians get to enjoy every day of the year."

At the same media event on Friday night, TNT Sports, the broadcast partner for the Grand Slam, presented newly recorded aerial footage of the Mid Ocean Club and its surrounding area.Dr. Brown said: "The room filled with 'oohs' and 'aahs'. The footage was very impressive. Bermuda will be showcased very well in this event. The Grand Slam stands to benefit our tourism product in a way we've never experienced before."On Saturday, the Premier met with PGA president Brian Whitcomb and PGA chief executive officer Joe Sternanka to discuss Grand Slam preparations.Yesterday, in an interview with the Golf Channel's Scott Rude, Dr. Brown said: "Bermuda is a unique mix of friendly people and natural beauty."When asked about Bermuda's deal with the PGA, the Premier said: "We have a two-year deal with the PGA, but we think we can turn it into a multi-two year deal."The Premier told Reuters international news agency:<><>"There is high excitement! It's going to be a great event. There is no question that this will be the event of the year for us. It will be a wonderful launch to our golf and spa season."