two-stroke lead after the opening round of the $60,000 Bermuda Open at Port Royal yesterday.

The Georgia native, winner of his only previous Open title back in 1987 but a four-time champion of the Belmont Invitational in the years since, turned in an impressive four-under-par 67 in ideal conditions.

His closest challenger was another regular American visitor, Mike Donald, the former US PGA Tour winner, who posted an opening round 69.

A further stroke back on 70 were visiting pro Josh Hillman and local amateur Blake Marshall.

Then came a clutch of players -- Jesse Allen, Tom Jaeger, Stephane Lovey, Craig Marseille and Chris Van der Velde -- on one-over-par 72.

Defending champion PJ Cowan, who said earlier this week he was hoping for windy conditions, found himself six shots off the pace after recording 73.

Bermuda's top pro Dwayne Pearman and Robbie Spurling, winner of the Bermuda Amateur Strokeplay title back in June, also carded 73s.

An ailing Ken Green, the former college room-mate of St.George's pro Kim Swan who until a few years ago was a regular on the PGA Tour, suffered a miserable day and eventually withdrew, citing health problems.

Visiting English amateur Richard Cipa also eliminated himself on the opening day but under much different circumstances.

Cipa reportedly damaged his club in a fit of anger and then played the ball with the same club -- a breach of the rules which resulted in disqualification.

Full results, see Scoreboard Defending champ: American PJ Cowan, last year's Open winner, found himself six shots adrift of early leader Tim Conley after yesterday's opening round.

Sand blast: Visiting amateur Bob Macy hits out of a bunker below the ninth green.