revealed, Bermuda at last appears to be catching up to less prosperous countries in the Caribbean which have long played host to similarly prestigious events.

It has been a mystery to many local golf enthusiasts over the years why Bermuda has not taken the initiative and capitalised on having top-class courses. Some islands to the south have wasted little time in attracting world-class players to their tournaments.

The Bermuda Government last week announced plans to host the Merrill Lynch Shootout in October, 1994 while it was also disclosed recently that an even larger tournament with close to a half-million dollar purse, and which could feature the likes of former world number one Fred Couples, is being considered for December of next year.

Both tournaments are still in the planning stage, with the latter, which is aimed at raising money for a local children's charity, being the brainchild of a prominent politician, lawyer and two company executives in MP Quinton Edness, lawyer Charles Collis, Bill Thompson of the Bank of Bermuda and Bermuda Drug Company owner Ward Young.

Local professional Kim Swan is pleased to hear of plans for the tournaments, having said all along that Bermuda should be trying to capitalise on the facilities here. Last year Swan tried to get a Canadian Tour tournament staged here.

While admitting that he was keeping his fingers crossed in hope that both tournaments materialise, the outspoken St. George's professional said that he hoped it was not a "one-off effort''.

"While it is good to at last see a big event held here, I really feel that it is also important to see something like this held on a consistent basis, I'm talking about year in and year out. What we need is a commitment for a multiple year event,'' said Swan.

He noted that it was always his belief that Bermuda was well behind less prosperous countries like Jamaica and the Bahamas which have long acted as hosts for major tournaments.

"It has always baffled me why we have not had a major event here. I'm glad to see that people are waking up and realising that the effort is worth the exposure for the island.

"Prospective tourists identify with top players and with Bermuda having world class players involved in a tournament here it will act as a means of transmitting the message of us being a top tourist resort all around the world,'' said Swan.

Also, both tournaments will attract major coverage in the United States with the Merrill Lynch Shootout being televised on ESPN and the other proposed event receiving coverage on one of the big three US networks -- CBS, NBC or ABC.

Swan stressed that it was important for local organisers to look beyond holding a one-year event because it probably would take a few more years in order for the country to be marketed properly through golf.

"We can't rely on the past when we used to just have tourists come here, we have to market ourselves carefully and televised golf is a good vehicle. Years ago we didn't need television and these new tactics, but these days we simply have to cast our nets in different waters in order to be successful,'' said Swan.

He made it clear that he did not want to be critical of the intentions of those who are working toward staging the two events here next year, adding that he gives "anybody credit'' who is trying to get top tournaments played in Bermuda.

Swan though still envisions Bermuda acting as host one day of the a Canadian Tour event, revealing that commissioner Dick Grimm only recently expressed an interest in bringing one of the tournaments to the island.

"He is new to the position and is very keen to talk to anybody here who is interested in making it happen. The purse is fitting to the affordable, it will be a great tournament for Bermuda,'' said Swan.

Swan himself has just returned from Canada after playing in five events during the summer. However, he was not too satisfied with his overall performance which saw him finish with an average of 76.

His next major venture overseas will be in November when he and Dwayne Pearman represent Bermuda in the World Cup in Lake Nona, Florida between November 11-14.

KIM SWAN -- Supports major tournament idea.