Lobster Pot Invitational Professional Championship with an even-par 71 at Castle Harbour.

But the tall golfer from Salem Country Club, just outside of Boston, admitted that few could have predicted that par would have been sufficient to capture the crown after Rick Acton cruised to victory with a fine four-under-par 67 a year ago.

Hanefeld -- who has made five previous appearances in the Lobster Pot Classic and almost 10 in the Goodwill Tournament -- brushed off a spirited challenge by former champion Jim Blanks of Avila Golf and Country Club II to win by a stroke.

Acton, last year's champion, finished third with a two-over-par 73, followed by John Knowobilski of Schlossbert GC and Stefan Gandl of Munich GC, who were tied on 74.

"The field this year was very strong and it's fair to say that I don't think anybody would have thought that a 71 would win it, but it did,'' said Hanefeld, whose one-over-par 72 last year earned him a second place finish.

The fact that Acton won by five strokes in adverse weather conditions last year was a clear indication of just how sharp he was. But in more decent conditions this time nobody was able to break into the 60s.

Hanefeld admitted that there was a great deal of wind during yesterday's round which made some holes difficult, but overall the weather had no real impact on his game.

"I played pretty consistent out there with two birdies, two bogeys and 14 pars. I made the turn one-under and played the last nine one over. I didn't do anything spectacular,'' said the winner.

Hanefeld rated the effort as his best of the week.

Blanks, who won the tournament four years ago, experienced some difficulty on the course as a result of the wind and blew his chances when he bogeyed two of the last three holes. He started well enough and went into the back nine one-under.

Monday's four-under-par effort boosted Blanks' hopes going into yesterday, but he had trouble with consistency and paid the price.

With Hanefeld wrapping up the professional title, Blanks is looking ahead to his team's challenge today of holding on to their share of the net division lead with Avila I.

Both teams are on 264 after the two rounds with Avila I, inspired by professional Jim King, making great inroads with an impressive round of 133 on Tuesday.

"Nobody has a clear-cut chance today, there are several teams who could win it,'' said Blanks.

KIRK HANEFELD -- His even par stirred Pot field.