Final plans are being mapped out for Bermuda to host the prestigious Merrill Lynch Shootout next year.

And if today's form in world golf is anything to go by, Mid Ocean Club will play host to such superstars as Nick Price, Greg Norman, Paul Azinger and Lee Janzen.

Tourism director Randy Horton yesterday confirmed that the four leading moneywinners on the United States PGA Tour will gain automatic entry to the event, which will be held in October, and up to six other high-profile professionals will be also invited.

The aforementioned four lead the PGA money list with three having won major titles this year. Norman won the British Open, Azinger the PGA Championship and Janzen the US Open.

But it is Price who is the front-runner for Player of the Year as he is the top money winner with $1,397,590, is near the top of most statistical categories and has more wins than anyone.

The most prestigious of the Zimbabwean's four wins this year was The Players Championship. He also captured the Greater Hartford Open, Western Open and St.

Jude Classic during a torrid one-month spell from the end of June.

"We are presently working out an agreement with Merrill Lynch,'' said Horton yesterday. "We are committed to having the tournament in October 1994 and are extremely pleased with the support we've had from Mid Ocean Club.'' Horton said a definite date will be announced in the next few weeks once contractual red tape has been sorted out with Merrill Lynch, Mid Ocean Club and the Attorney General's chambers.

The idea behind Bermuda hosting the tournament came from Tourism's desire to beef up activities during the island's off-season.

"We've been looking to develop our shoulder season (November to March),'' said Horton. "It's been the feeling of many people that we needed a major golf event to boost our special events.

"This provides us with ideal exposure during the off-season.'' The event is expected to be televised live by ESPN during weekdays with ABC to complete the show over the weekend.

SHARK SIGHTING -- Bermuda will be host to some of golf's biggest superstars -- like Greg Norman -- once plans are ironed out to bring the Merrill Lynch Shootout to the island in 1994.