labour strife with Bermuda as their choice for rest and relaxation.

Yesterday witnessed such notables as Tyrone (Mugsy) Bogues of the Charlotte Hornets, his former team-mate Hersey Hawkins and Phoenix's Danny Ainge testing their prowess on the greens of Port Royal.

So anxious were the trio -- accompanied by a small entourage -- to seek the tranquility of the fairways that they barely had arrived via the cruise ship Dreamward when they elected for the long trek west.

"It's our first day and my first time here and I'm enjoying it. I'm on the golf course so it can't be any worse than this. I'm having a good time,'' summarised 18 handicapper Bogues, preparing to take on the challenging, par four number two hole.

"This is my vacation, for me to enjoy time with the family and friends while I've got a little time off.'' Actually, the trio are part of the Charles and Friends Cruise, which amounts to a free vacation for the players and allows sponsors the chance to cruise, have fun and mingle with the NBA stars.

The Charles referred to is none other than Charles Barkley, an All-Star power forward and, like Ainge, a member of the Phoenix Suns.

However, Barkley was a no show yesterday and was reported to have missed the boat. It was unknown whether he would be flying in to take up temporary residence on board the luxury liner.

Meanwhile, Hawkins, like Bogues, expressed delight at being in Bermuda and was excited about the prospect of taking in a few rounds of golf.

"Of course if you're coming to an Island as beautiful as this, with so many golf courses, you know you want to get out and play some golf, even if you can't play well,'' said Hawkins, an admitted hacker, his menacing game face scowl replaced by a radiant smile along with intermittent laughter.

"It's beautiful here. The weather is good. I hope it won't rain on us today, the people have been friendly and hopefully we'll get some good shopping in and our wives can enjoy their stay. We're planning on having a good time.'' Thunderous laughter erupted when Hawkins was asked about his handicap.

"What's my handicap?'' an incredulous looking Hawkins said, repeating a question. "Hey, I'm just out here playing and wherever I hit the ball that's it, I really haven't established one (handicap) yet, so I'm not going to tell you I'm any better than I actually am because I'm not real good at this.'' The 28-year-old shooting guard will be on the move next season -- pending a solution to current labour woes -- after being traded along with David Wingate from Charlotte to the Seattle SuperSonics, who like the Hornets were bumped in the first round of this year's play-offs.

In return the Hornets received Kendall Gill, who they had previously traded to Seattle.

"I think it was a good trade,'' said Hawkins. Hopefully both teams will accomplish what they want in the trade, so I'm happy with it, hopefully Kendall will be happy with it. Whenever you're traded you realise it's part of the business and you make the most of it and try to enjoy yourself and that's what I'm going to do.'' On a serious note Bogues encouraged local youth to strive for excellence in whatever arena they choose, whether it be basketball, other sports or the business world.

Bogues, at five feet, three inches tall, is the shortest player in the league.

Coming out of Wake Forest University was told he would never survive among the `giants' of the NBA.

He has proven skeptics wrong to the point where opposing game plans now have to be devised to combat his speed around the court with an ability to mount offence for his team and control games.