A year after sweeping both the net and gross divisions, local teams again find themselves leading the way following yesterday's opening round of the 45th Bermuda Goodwill Tournament.

The success of Ocean View and St. George's Golf Club a year ago left some fearing that local teams held an unfair advantage over the many visiting teams. And there was even talk that Bermuda clubs should be barred from competing if they again cleaned up in both divisions.

After yesterday's scores, that debate seems certain to continue.

Ocean View, last year's net winners, share the net lead on 57 with another Bermuda team, Port Royal, while Castle Harbour are one of three teams a further stroke back.

The defending champions have a new look team with only professional Dwayne Pearman returning. As Dave Purcell, Andre Dill and Leon Williams did a year ago, Bill Pitt Jr, Frank Morgan and John Williams are rallying behind the Island's top professional.

They opened their tournament at Castle Harbour, while Port Royal, led by pro Frankie Rabain and including Andrew Waring, Jeff Piggott and Alan Boardman, played at Belmont yesterday.

Castle Harbour also enjoyed a fine opening day, shooting a net 58 at Belmont.

Kevin Benevides is their pro with Fritz Reiter, Danny Fagundo and Vincent Bridgewater completing the foursome.

Also on 58 after the first round are Dedham Country and Polo Club of Massachusetts, led by pro Jimmy Noris, and Tupper Lake of New York who have Brent Smith as their pro. Four other visiting teams are a further stroke back on 59. They are Baltusrol, Beacon Hall, Salem and Longmeadow.

In the gross division, Riddell's Bay got off to a flying start with a 63 at Belmont. Their team is made up of pro Darron Swan and amateurs Duncan Zelkin, Andrew Trott and Michael Branco.

Navesink Country Club of Middletown, New Jersey trail by one stroke after their 64 at Castle Harbour while Castle Harbour are one of eight teams on 65.

Local teams Ocean View and Port Royal are also among the lead pack in the gross division.

A total of 97 teams -- slightly less than last year's field -- are competing and will play on each of the four courses, Belmont, Castle Harbour, Mid Ocean and Port Royal during the week-long tournament.