KIM SWAN no doubt ruffled a few feathers this week with his call for a substantial increase in prizemoney for the Bermuda Open, now underway at Port Royal.

Given the current economic climate, organisers probably count themselves fortunate that they can raise from sponsors the $60,000 which is currently on offer.

But the former touring pro and three-time Open champion does have a point.

In the world of professional golf, $60,000 these days is, as Swan claims, 'peanuts'.

And that's probably why most of those from overseas competing at Port Royal this weekend aren't here simply to chase the $12,000 first prize but to combine the tournament with a vacation, and to wind down after a long season.

Many of those in the field are familiar names who return year after year and would probably play no matter what the purse.

However, there is some merit to Swan's argument in that the Open will never attract the world's leading players or even any of those who play on the lesser tours unless two things change.

First of all the event needs a different spot on the calendar. Running as it does now in the middle of October brings the tournament into direct conflict with Tour qualifying school, which for many aspiring pros and those looking to resurrect their career is THE most important tournament of the year.

Hundreds of golfers from around the world - Bermuda's Michael Sims among them - converge on the various qualifying events around the United States as they seek to earn full playing privileges on either the lucrative PGA or Buy.com Tours.

Anything else at this time of year, the Bermuda Open included, just doesn't come into the equation.

Having decided on a new date, Bermuda Golf Association then have to make the tournament financially attractive enough for it to be worthwhile for players certainly of Sims' calibre and better.

That might be easier said than done.

But it's something new Tourism Minister Renee Webb should perhaps examine.

The Bermuda Open could, in effect, be a great advertisement for Bermuda golf as a whole.

All of the Island's courses, including the three Government lay-outs, are now in better shape than they have been for many years. And an Open with players from all corners of the globe could do much to raise the Island's profile as a golf destination.

Swan has suggested a purse of at least $200,000. Given the budget afforded Bermuda Department of Tourism, that too might be considered 'peanuts'.

A half million dollar incentive, much like that offered by the Merrill-Lynch and Gillette-sponsored events held at Mid Ocean Club in the late 1990s, still wouldn't be enough to lure the likes of Tiger Woods and company.

But it would whet the appetite of many a talented professional and in turn get the message across to the rest of the world that Bermuda remains a great place to play golf.