visiting Meadow Brook Golf Club a replacement for their injured professional Ed Whalley for this week's 44th Goodwill Tournament.

Whalley, who has been visiting the Island regularly to play golf since the 1960s, reinjured a hand which he broke earlier this year, during last Sunday's Belmont Invitational Pro-Am.

And that injury will prevent him from teaming up with Meadow Brook amateurs Bob Young, Bill McDonough and Jim Robbins for today's start of the 72-hole Goodwill.

Despite the extenuating circumstances, long-time Goodwill Tournament director Muriel Parker has steadfastly refused the Reading, Massachusetts club permission to play with a substitute professional, although several offers to fill the void have been made by both local and overseas pros.

Parker, who declined to comment publicly on the controversy, has pointed to a rule which states all professionals must be affiliated with the club which they are representing in the tournament.

However, one veteran American pro, who like Whalley has been returning to the Island for several years, said last night many of the Goodwill players were angry over her ruling.

"There comes a time when logic and common sense have to enter the equation,'' said the pro, who asked to remain anonymous.

"The rule that has been cited was intended to stop clubs from bringing in Tour pros to strengthen their team. That obviously isn't the case here.

"A lot of people are angry over the way this has been handled.'' Whalley's three amateur team-mates, Young, McDonough and Robbins have all arrived on the Island with their wives, having spent thousands of dollars on air fares and accommodation.

It was reported last night that Whalley, who flew back to the US last week for treatment on his injured hand, was planning to return to the Island today and, although unable to play, would accompany the three amateurs who still intend to play despite the huge disadvantage of not having a pro.

Another golfer, a Bermudian who called The Royal Gazette yesterday to voice his displeasure but also asked not to be identified, said: "The whole situation is utterly ridiculous.

"Not a single person in this tournament would object to another professional replacing Ed Whalley. It's supposed to be a Goodwill tournament, but there certainly isn't much goodwill being shown in this case.

"From a tourism point of view, it's also very disturbing. We're supposed to be trying to attract visitors, not drive them away.'' The tournament begins this morning with 104 clubs, the majority from the US, competing at Port Royal, Mid Ocean Club, Belmont and Castle Harbour throughout this week. The Goodwill professional championships are scheduled for Wednesday.