Shadow Minister for Sport, Charlie Swan, has questioned the hiring process at the revamped Port Royal Golf Course following the appointment of Dwayne Pearman as head pro.

Pearman, who has served as a club professional for some 30 years, both at Port Royal and Ocean View, took over the post following the sudden and controversial departure of Eric West last month.

And while the United Bermuda Party senator said he had no qualms about Pearman's ability to serve the Government-owned club, he was concerned about how the appointment was made.

"We have watched with concern and an increasing number of questions about the hiring of the head pro at . . . Port Royal Golf Course," said Swan.

"Before any comment, we want to state categorically that our concerns have nothing to do with the specific individuals involved but rather the process by which hiring decisions have been made.

"It is a matter of record that the first person hired for the position (West) did not possess key qualifications required for the advertised post, specifically a minimum of five years' experience plus PGA certification.

"That appointment did not work out, with the gentleman leaving the post in late August just a few months into his employment. At the time of his departure, reports said he had been "forced . . . out" as a result of fundamental disagreements over his approach to the job. He has been quickly replaced by the assistant pro, who was hired at about the same time.

"Neither of these decisions – the initial hiring of the club pro and this week's promotion – gives us confidence that due process and fairness are being followed by the Government-owned golf club."

Swan said he understood that Bermuda Professional Golfers Association, after the initial hiring decision, had filed a complaint that BPGA members who had applied for and met the requirements of the post were not successful.

"It appears that these same individuals were again overlooked in the recent decision to promote the assistant pro to the head pro position," he added.

"We think it is important for the club to clear the air about the situation and to assure the public that decisions are properly and fairly made."

Pearman was promoted at the Southampton course after West quit, claiming confidential information about an incident at the course had been leaked.