P.H.Horgan's love affair with Bermuda continued yesterday as he swept to a seven-shot victory in the Gosling's Invitational Championships - less than six weeks after lifting his third Bermuda Open title.

Starting the day five strokes clear of his nearest rival - and with his most dangerous challenger Tim Conley out of the field following Wednesday's controversial disqualification - the Florida resident followed up three sub-par rounds (68, 66 and 67) with an even-par 70.

And that proved more than enough to hold off young Canadian Joe Rinker who failed to build on his tournament-best 65 on Wednesday, shooting 73 yesterday.

Another visitor, Kevin Morris, could also manage only a 73, securing third place ahead of Bermuda's Dwayne Pearman, who likewise ended the event with a 73, his highest round of the week.

With pin placements treacherously difficult on the fast, undulating greens of Belmont Hills and the wind picking up for the first time during the entire four days, yesterday failed to produce a single round under par.

Indeed, Horgan's 70 ultimately proved the best of the day, and while his lead was temporarily cut to two - after Rinker went eagle-birdie on the front nine - there was never much doubt who would claim the the $6,000 first prize.

“There were a couple of moments there when I had to dig deep,” said Horgan. “Joe had an eagle and a birdie and I went birdie, par and then I made a bogey which meant I went into number nine just two-up.

“Then I birdied nine and I birdied ten and he parred nine and bogeyed ten so I went back to five-up. That was pretty much the tournament right there.

“Providing I didn't fall into a bunker and break a leg, I was fairly confident of holding on.”

Horgan, meanwhile, had nothing but for praise for both the event and the course which, while much shorter than Port Royal where he claimed his Open titles, he described as “tough and in immaculate condition”.

“You know this tournament is the way all tournaments should be run,” he added. “The organisers and sponsors have just put on a great show and I'll definitely be back to defend this title.

“The course is just in fabulous condition considering the weather we had earlier this week.What more can you ask for? Unless I end up playing in the Tour Championship next year, you can guarantee I'll be back.”

The former PGA Tour pro, who this season played mostly on the Nationwide Tour, agreed he seemed to have a special affinity with the Island.

“I wish I knew what it was about this place,” he smiled. “My wife said it was too bad they couldn't play a Tour event in Bermuda every week.

“I've been coming here for years thanks to Yeaton Outerbridge who invited me over way back when, 1986 I think, when I first won the Open. I do have a love affair with this place. It's very special to me. What can't you not like about this island?

“The weather's great, the golf courses wonderful and the people couldn't be more welcoming and friendly. It's just a great place to play golf.

“I played on the Tour for 10 years, and I play on the Nationwide Tour so I guess I have more experience than a lot of guys here. I'm not saying it's not great competition. It is. But maybe I just have an edge.”

Ian Doig, the Canadian pro whose complaint led to Conley's disqualification, finished in fifth place after a 73 yesterday while veteran Joe Carr, the first-day joint leader, ended up in sixth after a final round 76.

Among the amateurs, one-handicapper Nick Mansell claimed gross honours with his 72-hole total of 301.

In the net division, St.George's GC manager Max Atherden (283) held on to win by one stroke from Arthur Lindo (284). Both were playing in the seniors division.

Among the juniors (under 55), Allan Richardson claimed net honours with a 289 total ahead of Ian Page (291) and Glenn Kelley (293).

Full results - see Scoreboard