Like Bermuda? Bookmark These Sites Now!

Spoiler alert: Bermuda Shorts isn’t the only website where you'll find island news and tropical updates (but it is the only site where you’ll find me, so there). One of my favorites is Bernews.com, an excellent site for, well, Bermuda news and one that kept the island constantly updated with diligent live blogging and up-to-the-minute photos during Hurricane Igor. Then there’s BermudaTourism.com, a website run by the Bermuda Department of Tourism that often posts hotel deals and airfare sales from its various industry partners (like the Compliments of Bermuda offer, where you get every third night free at 15 island hotels and resorts; deal!). If you’re searching for something to do while you’re on the island, don’t miss the cleverly named NothingToDoInBermuda.com. Updated daily by island ex-pat Claire Hattie, the site includes various events like this Saturday’s Keep Bermuda Beautiful Marine Clean Up and the BUEI Weekend Film Series, which will screen documentary films at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute every weekend beginning September 26.

Clearly each website has its individual value, but the new-and-improved bermuda.com is one stop shopping for all of your Bermuda needs. Relaunched this week after a complete overhaul, the site features comprehensive listings to popular island attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels—perfect for visitors looking for a bit of inspiration—plus an entire section devoted to locals. Called The Onion Patch, it’s where all of us islanders can get information on current events, off-island travel and even movie times at local theaters. Even better is bermuda.com Local, a new sub-site that lists just about every business on the island—shops, restaurants, you name it—and directs users to real time online ratings and GPS enabled turn-by-turn directions, kind of like Google meets Trip Advisor for Bermuda (that's a screenshot above). Pretty cool stuff if you ask me. Hey bermuda.com, if you ever need a blogger—ya know, someone with over a dozen years of experience in the tourism and travel industry with the journalism credentials to boot—you know who to call. In the meantime, I’ll be right here in my corner of the web so don't forget to bookmark me too: Bermuda Shorts, for MOST of your island news and tropical updates.

Ouch! Phil Disses Bermuda

So much for Mickelson. Despite my last ditch effort to get the Masters champion to Bermuda—an open letter to Phil explaining why he should come play the PGA Grand Slam of Golf at Port Royal—Lefty has officially shut the door on any hope of seeing him in October. According to multiple reports across the web, Mickelson is choosing not to play the Grand Slam because of “a hectic late-season schedule and a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis,” so says ESPN’s Golf Blog. I understand if the guy is hurt, but the whole thing sounds fishy to me. After all, Mickelson is slated to play the Ryder Cup on October 1 plus two events in Asia before calling the season quits. Which begs the question: Why does Phil hate Bermuda? For starters let’s consider Rex Hoggard’s reasons on the Shag Bag, a Golf Channel blog that suggests, among other reasons, that Mickelson’s skipping the Slam because, “the San Diego Chargers are at home that week, Tiger Woods plans on being in the gallery and he doesn’t look good in Bermuda shorts.” Possible, but my guess is that he’s really not into beautiful island destinations less than two hours from most east coast gateways. Whatever. Looks like I’ll be cheering for Ernie Els this year.

Storm Report: Hurricane Igor

Well, after three days spent indoors—including about 20 hours without power—I'm happy to report that Bermuda was largely spared after being walloped by Hurricane Igor this weekend. There's lots of coverage and photos over on Bermuda.com, but for a more personalized report of the storm head on over to Outside Television where I've written all about Hurricane Igor on The Life Outside. For now, the skies are blue and the sun is shining. Just the way I like it.

STORM WATCH: Hurricane Igor

Thanks to Bernews and NASA astronaut Doug Wheelock, this is a satellite image of Hurricane Igor, the giant storm that's making its way towards Bermuda and will likely wallop the island with a direct hit sometime Sunday night or Monday morning. I'm not sure what's in store for the island—a weatherman, I am not—but for an up-to-date account of what's happening on the ground, be sure to check in here for all of your Hurricane Igor news and information. For now, the air is humid and the waves are high and we're all hunkering down for a very wet weekend.

An Open Letter to Phil Mickelson

Dear Phil,

It’s been widely reported that you have yet to accept Bermuda’s invitation to play this year’s PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which will be held on October 18-20 at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton. Bermuda’s own Royal Gazette reported that you might not come despite winning this year's Masters—a move which according to some, may doom the tournament’s chances of ever returning to the island—as did pundits on Golf Digest’s Local Knowledge blog and on Golf TV earlier this week. Everyone’s talking, Phil, but no one really knows what you’re gonna do. So in case you’re still on the fence about joining Graeme McDowell, Luis Oosthuizen and Martin Kaymer at this year’s Grand Slam in Bermuda here are a few reasons why you should play Port Royal this October.

The course is that good. There may be seven golf courses on Bermuda but Port Royal is easily the island’s finest with sweeping ocean vistas, breathtaking tropical landscapes and one of the greatest holes in all of golf. Originally designed in 1970 by world-renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., the course recently underwent a $14.5 million renovation spearheaded by original design team member Robert Rulewich. The result? TifEagle greens for a consistent roll, tranquil new lakes supported by a state-of-the-art irrigation system and stunning Atlantic Ocean views from nearly every hole. The course was also extended by 281 yards—now at a total of 6,842 yards, it’s Bermuda’s longest and most challenging course. If that’s not enough to get you on a plane then consider teeing up on Port Royal’s signature hole, the 238-yard par-three 16th, with nothing but the Atlantic between the tee and the pin. Wanna see it for yourself? Then check out this video I shot and edited from last year’s Grand Slam.

Guaranteed cash. This is not a winner takes all tournament, so whether you come in first or last, you’re guaranteed a payday. First place wins you $600,000, second gets $300,000, third nets $250,000 and fourth earns $200,000. Not too shabby for two day’s work.

Veggie dishes at House of India. Reports have been flying about how you’ve recently turned vegetarian to help battle your arthritis. Congrats! Although I’m sure it’s been hard staying away from your beloved burgers. Don’t let a tournament keep you away from your new diet—just have one of your underlings bring you take out from House of India, where you can get some of the best Indian food in all of Bermuda. I love the mixed vegetable curry, saffron rice and warm garlic naan but there are lots of great veggie dishes to choose from. And if all else fails you can always grab a salad at Port Royal’s ocean view restaurant, 64º (try the arugula with vanilla poached pear, blue cheese and caramelized pecans; it’s to die for).

You look great in pink. We all know what a staunch supporter you’ve been of your wife and mother’s battles with breast cancer. I sincerely applaud your strength and courage and wish your family the best, but just think of the exposure you could give to this horrible disease if you were to don Bermuda’s famed pink jacket after winning it all. Forget about ribbons. This is a pink blazer from the English Sports Shop we’re talking about. It looked great on Lucas Glover last year and it’ll look even better on you.

The crystal trophy was yours in 2004. It can be yours again. 'Nuff said.

Sincerely,

David LaHuta