Bermuda was last night reeling from Tiger Woods' withdrawal from next month's PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

Woods — regarded by many as the world's number one sports star — announced yesterday he would skip the Mid Ocean Club event to spend more time with his wife and baby daughter.

Premier and Tourism Minister Ewart Brown, who had claimed Woods' appearance would give Bermuda maximum global exposure by luring millions of extra television viewers, was the first to express his disappointment at yesterday's news.

His sentiments were echoed by Grand Slam organisers, hotel bosses, golfers and numerous Tiger fans across the Island — although most claimed the tournament would still be a success. Dr. Brown insisted it remained the Island's biggest ever international sporting event.

Organisers said Woods' replacement, former US Open winner Jim Furyk, still completed an exciting line-up, alongside Zach Johnson, Angel Cabrera and Padraig Harrington for October 15 to 17.

Woods said in a statement: "I am sorry that I will not be able to spend some time with my friends at the PGA of America and experience the beauty of Bermuda this year at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

"It's been a long year. And, given some new, personal obligations, it is very important that I take some extended time off and spend it with my family."

He added on his website: "As much as I would enjoy going to Bermuda, I have played a lot of golf late in the year and need to shut it down for a while. Hopefully, I'll qualify again and I look forward to competing again in the future."

Bermuda will also be hosting the event in 2008, when people will once again be crossing their fingers that Woods qualifies by winning one of golf's four majors.

In a statement released immediately after Woods' announcement yesterday afternoon, Dr. Brown said: "I was naturally disappointed to hear Tiger will not appear at the Grand Slam, but I completely understand considering the exhausting year he has had on the golf course and his new commitments as a father. I hope he can qualify again next year and join us in 2008.

"With Jim Furyk added to the scorecard we still have a stunning cast of golfers coming to Bermuda for a spectacular event. Make no mistake: the Grand Slam will still be Bermuda's biggest ever international sporting event and every Bermudian is prepared to show the world why our country is an unmatched travel destination and golfers' paradise.

"Even the most discriminating of golf fans is guaranteed a great show and a good time at Mid Ocean because only winners of major championships are permitted to play in this tournament. This is the crème de la crème in the golfing world and they're coming to Bermuda. My excitement has not diminished."

Dr. Brown had flown to Oklahoma last month to watch Woods qualify for the Grand Slam by winning the PGA Championship. The Premier said at the time the signs from the PGA were positive that Woods would play.

Earlier yesterday Woods, 31, wrote to the Premier to inform him he would not be taking part. In his one-page letter, Woods said: "I want to express my personal gratitude for your understanding of my situation this year."

David Ezekiel, general chairman of the PGA Grand Slam, which is organising the event from Bermuda, spoke to The Royal Gazette from England late last night.

"We're disappointed of course. When the number one crowd-puller in the world doesn't make it, it's disappointing," said Mr. Ezekiel.

"A lot of us kept commenting that it wasn't in the bank, but certainly this wasn't what we hoped for.

"But we have got the tournament for two years. If we take a look at what he says, he may be back here next year."

Mr. Ezekiel said Woods has dominated the Grand Slam in recent years, meaning that replacing him with American Furyk could create "the best show Bermuda has ever seen".

But he acknowledged Woods would have been able to attract people without any interest in golf.

"If Tiger is really a cross-sport hero, he will remain that way to all of us. We fully understand his position," he added.

Mid Ocean Club president Shirley James said: "It's most unfortunate for us, but he does have a personal life. We are naturally very disappointed, but we feel the event is going to be special.

Mrs. James said broadcast media reports that Tiger had confirmed he was coming to Bermuda had got her hopes up earlier yesterday. "Spirits dampened later in the day, but that's life," she said.

Golf professional Alex Madeiros said some Bermudians had been optimistic after Woods smiled at the crowd when someone shouted "Bermuda?" during the Oklahoma contest.

"I'm disappointed because I wanted to see the number one player in Bermuda," he said. "Overall, from a golfer's perspective, it's a great event for Bermuda. We have to still keep our heads up and be proud we are hosting the Grand Slam of Golf."

John Harvey, CEO of Bermuda Hotel Association, said: "It's very disappointing that Mr. Woods has found himself unable to visit. But, you know what, it's an event that in my view will be successful nevertheless.

"With the calibre of people who will be playing, Bermuda will receive the recognition from TV coverage."

Golf fan Craig Cannonier, of St. George's, could barely disguise his dismay when The Royal Gazette broke the news.

"Oh man! Oh man!" said Mr. Cannonier. "The whole buzz was Tiger Woods. There ain't no buzz now."

But he added: "We have to make the buzz. This is a huge event for Bermuda, regardless of Tiger Woods. It's about the future of Bermuda."

Edgar Cajayow, of Pembroke, said: "It's sad that he isn't coming. He's the number one in the world. It's 50-50 if I'll watch it now."

PGA of America president Brian Whitcomb said: "While we are disappointed that the world's number one player will not be able to join us this year in Bermuda, we certainly understand and respect his decision to be with his family."