round of the Bermuda Senior Men's Amateur Championships yesterday.

Van Putten, who won the event in 1992, shot a two-over-par 74 at Belmont to lead Americans Stanton Ayer and Clark McKenzie. McKenzie is a scratch player while Van Putten plays off a five handicap and Ayer a three.

Also in contention are a host of Island players, with Brandon Ingham, the 1995 winner, on 77 along with Alan DeSilva. Fred Wheatley sits on 78 with three-time winner (1987, '89 and '91) Jack Wahl while Vance Campbell is a further stroke back on 79.

Defending champion Peter Tucker, who also won in 1986, '88 and '93, is nine strokes behind. Second round is today.