Notes from TNT’s First Round Coverage of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf – Tuesday, October 19, 2009

Notes from TNT’s First Round Coverage of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from the Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda – Tuesday, October 19, 2009

TNT’s second round coverage of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf continues Wed., October 20 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. ET.

Announcers: Verne Lundquist, Ian Baker-Finch, Bill Kratzert and Jim Huber

Baker-Finch on 2010 PGA Championship Martin Kaymer’s becoming a rising star in the golf world over the past year: “He could possibly climb to number one in the world rankings before the end of the year. He’s had four wins this year and I think he’s the guy to beat here in Bermuda.”

Baker-Finch on Graeme McDowell, 2010 U.S. Open winner: “Graeme McDowell is riding a confidence wave after the Ryder Cup. I think he’s playing really well and could be a contender with Martin Kaymer.”

Baker-Finch on Ernie Els: “He’s a three time major champion and a past winner of the PGA Grand Slam. He’s always a tough contender.”

TNT’s Jim Huber interviewed David Toms at the 8^th hole.

Toms on beautiful views from the 8^th hole: “You can see we were all playing short there because you don’t want to be over this green but what a beautiful view. You’re here grinding to make a par. You walk up here and see this beautiful view and it takes the nerve out of (the game). You realize where you are, what you are doing and it’s a lot of fun.”

TNT’s Jim Huber interviewed Ernie Els

Els on enjoying his first time in Bermuda: “The golf course is good. The putting surfaces are prefect. Everyone is doing a great job. I’ve never been here before and it’s a privilege to be here.”

TNT’s Jim Huber interviewed Premier of Bermuda, Dr. The Honorable Ewart F. Brown

Brown on how Grand Slam fits into his legacy: “It fits very well. Its something that we wanted to do and (at times) thought we might not pull it off and then we got four years of great golf.”

Brown on his plans at the end of his premiership: “(I’m going) to the golf course. I have an objective. I’m going to get my handicap down to ten.”

Brown on the importance of Grand Slam to Bermuda: “It means a lot. It’s a tourism initative. We want people to be able to see what you see here, these beautiful views of the ocean. The best way to do it is to let people watch it and have a subliminal impact.”

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