Smith after yesterday's opening round of the $5,400 Ashworth Bermuda PGA Championship at Mid Ocean.

Both carded scores of five-over-par 76, while playing in severe wind gusts and scattered rain showers.

The pair lead third-placed competitor, Cornell Bean, who fired a round of 80, as many in the field ballooned to uncharacteristically high scores, mainly because of the adverse weather conditions.

Joe Cheeseman currently stands fourth on 81, two strokes ahead of Phillip Pitcher, while a foursome containing Kevin Benevides, Lloyd James, Frankie Rabain and Alan Wilkinson are next at 84.

After a disastrous outing last year, when he struggled from the outset with a restrictive muscle pull in his left leg, a fitter Smith enjoyed a reversal of fortune this time out.

He carded 37 on the front nine followed by 39 on the back with two birdies, 10 pars, five bogeys and one double-bogey.

Meanwhile, Pearman, who had identical scores as Smith for both sides notched three birdies to go with nine pars, six bogeys and a double bogey.

Among those unable to compete with Mother Nature was Kim Swan, one of the pre-tournament favourites.

Swan appears hopelessly placed, a whopping 11 shots off the lead, with the only favourable aspect being that there are still three rounds remaining.

As well as receiving a cheque for $1,350, the winner gains a position on the Bermuda Dunhill Cup team and also will be invited to play in the New England PGA Open in September.

DWAYNE PEARMAN -- Carded five-over-par 76 during a windy, rainy first round.