Bermuda is set to again host the 1999 Gillette Tour Challenge Championship, despite doubts raised by the PGA Tour schedule published this month.

The Professional Golf Association's official schedule noted that the venue for the October tournament was still `to be announced'.

But informed sources overseas have indicated to The Royal Gazette that the Mid Ocean Club has again been earmarked as home for the star-studded tournament.

The Gillette Challenge is a one-day, 18-hole, best-ball tournament, bringing together teams of players from the PGA, LPGA and Senor PGA tours, competing for $1.8-million prize money.

It was first held in Bermuda in 1997 and the lucrative prize money -- which guarantees even each player in the last-placed team $45,000 -- has ensured strong fields in the past.

Last year, Jim Furyk, veteran Lee Trevino and Michelle McGann came out winners. The likes of Payne Stewart, Fred Couples and Nick Price have also taken part.

It is understood that the delay in getting Bermuda's name on the PGA schedule was due to sorting out the logistics of players getting here.

The tournament has in the past had the backing of the Department of Tourism.

Michael Dunkley, vice-president of the Mid Ocean Club, said: "I had been led to believe that we were having it (the Gillette Challenge) back here.

"That was before the change of government and I have not yet spoken to the current minister.'' He was referring to Tourism Minister David Allen, who failed to answer messages left at his office yesterday.

"As far as the Mid Ocean Club is concerned we would love to have it back. The club does not make a lot out of it, but we do it because it is of tremendous benefit to the Island.

"I think it goes beyond just golf. It is a tourism event and attracts a lot of people to the Island. And that must be a positive thing at a time when visitor arrivals are on the wane.'' COMING BACK -- Jim Furyk, who won last year's Gillette championship with team-mates Lee Trevino and Michelle McGann, is expected to return next October now that Mid Ocean Club has been confirmed again as the host venue.