Bermuda Department of Tourism and the PGA are in talks to keep the Grand Slam at Port Royal Golf Course.

The current deal to host the tournament runs out after October's event, and discussions between the two sides to extend the contract are said to be at an advanced stage.

While neither party would comment publicly on how far the talks have progressed, sources close to the negotiations have said that the PGA are keen to continue their relationship with Bermuda, and that the only stumbling block to a deal being done would be if Government didn't feel it was a worthwhile investment.

"Our agreement with BDOT and Port Royal ends after the 2010 PGA Grand Slam of Golf," said David Charles, Senior Director, PGA Championships. "We are currently in discussions with BDOT regarding 2011 and beyond.

"I visited Port Royal in April and was amazed how well the course had continued to mature. I also like the completed clubhouse and opening of a great restaurant (64 Degrees)."

Charles' enthusiasm for Port Royal is certainly a boost for Director of Agronomy Steve Johnson and his groundstaff.

With nine weeks to go before the tournament, Johnson and his crew have stepped up their preparations for hosting an event that highlights the best Bermuda has to offer.

"When those guys came here last year we had only just opened the whole 18, and the golf course was in great condition for last year's tournament," said Johnson "We've had 12 months of finishing things off, and the golf course has had 12 months of maturing, which has been a big thing. The other big thing is that the crew have had an extra 12 months to learn, and know what the standards are, and to progress to them. They are the main reasons why the golf course is in the condition it is in today.

"The Board (of Trustees) have committed a lot to training, and sending guys to the States.

"We had one guy go to the US Open, two went to the USPGA Seniors Championships, and one at the John Deere Classic.

"The crew has matured with the golf course and having a Grand Slam under our belt already, it gives us a fair idea of what to expect."

And what can the players expect from a course that has sharpened its teeth in the past year.

According to Johnson they should be fine if they stick to the fairway. Anything wayward is going to cause more problems.

"We have got an extra 15 yards on the 18. We've put a new tee back there," said Johnson. "The rough will be more mature, it will be cut at the same height as it was last year, but because it will be thicker.

"From tee to green it shouldn't really affect the players that much, but if they do start to spary it and get caught in the rough they might have a little bit more of a challenge this year."