golfer with a second place finish in the Bermuda Open, will be leaving Ocean View Golf Course at the end of this week after little over a year as head professional.

And the circumstances over his departure weren't entirely clear yesterday despite the insistence of Kim Swan that Pearman was leaving of his own accord.

Swan, the St.George's GC professional and an arch playing rival of Pearman's, holds the concession for the Pro shop at Ocean View and is therefore responsible for the hiring and firing of staff.

He claimed that Pearman was leaving in order to pursue a full-time career as a playing professional.

But while admitting he wanted to increase his tournament appearances overseas, Pearman hinted after Sunday's Open there was more to the issue than he was prepared to say.

"Certain things were promised when I went to Ocean View, and they just haven't materialised,'' he said.

"It hasn't worked out the way I had hoped. Kim has his goals, and I have mine.'' One source close to the club claimed that Pearman had been fired for failing to follow Swan's instructions on how he should carry out his role as head pro.

But Swan denied this, and Pearman preferred not to discuss the matter in detail.

Said Swan: "Dwayne was employed by me at Ocean View. As I understand it, he's going out to concentrate on playing professional golf.. .that's what he plans to do.

"He finishes up at the end of this week with the understanding he is going to play professional golf. He is looking for sponsors so that he can play full-time golf.'' Asked whether he had been fired, Swan replied: "No, he hasn't. We have had discussions and he has an interest in pursuing a pro career. The best person to ask is him. He has voluntarily left to play professional golf, that's the understanding we have.

"I feel he has the talent to do it and the sponsorship for him to do it should be forthcoming, particularly in light of his current form and past performances.

"To be honest, I have always said that he has the game to play professional golf. But it takes money and commitment, and I think what you saw at the Bermuda Open shows he has the commitment. Now in order for him to become a first class pro he has to do it full-time, and he is making inroads, pursuing sponsors.'' However, it is known that Pearman has already had preliminary discussions with at least one other local course with a view to taking up a permanent post as club professional.

Before joining Ocean View he was assistant pro to Frankie Rabain at Port Royal.

Of a possible replacement for Pearman at Ocean View, Swan said: "I am looking at what I am doing there with regards to staffing. I have to get supervisory requirements that will have to be covered and am looking at that.

"Ocean View has business requirements that have to be met and those functions and requirements will be met.'' Pearman finished Sunday's Open at Port Royal in second place, firing a superb final round of 74 in gale force winds. He was just one shot behind winner Stuart Hendley but six better than the likes of former PGA champion John Mahaffey.

Swan was Bermuda's next best finisher, taking 11th place, 11 shots behind Pearman.

DWAYNE PEARMAN -- Leaving Port Royal of his own accord or is he being pushed out?