US professional Nathan Petronzio set the early pace in the opening round of the Gosling’s Bermuda Open at Port Royal Golf Course on Thursday.

The American shot a solid 67, which included six birdies, to carve out a one-shot advantage over the field and was thoroughly pleased with his performance.

“It worked out pretty good. It was a pretty square front nine, but the course is in great shape, so if you were hitting good putts they were going to go in,” Petronzio told The Royal Gazette.

“It’s a good test of golf. There’s some tricky holes out there and you have to golf the ball for sure.

“It’s just nice to be down here. This is my first time being in Bermuda, so just taking in the good views and looking forward to the next couple of days.”

Breathing right down the professional’s neck is amateur Virgilio Paz, who shot a superb 68, which included five birdies.

“The round was pretty solid and I made a couple of good putts and hit the ball really good,” said the Venezuelan, who lost to Argentina’s Mateo Pulcini in a play-off in this year’s Latin America Amateur Championship in Peru.

There was not much wind today, so that helped a little scoring wise. A further shot back in third is Switzerland’s John Tandberg, who was also pleased with his round of 69.

“It was a tale of two nines,” said the amateur, who is heading to Q-School in Georgia immediately after the tournament.

“Front nine was super easy and then the back was everything from wrong holes to nearly hitting it out of bounds. I think my heart rate was at 115 from the 14th hole all the way in, so it was a fight.

“The course is in great shape and the weather also. I think I got away with the weather this morning. You can play poorly and then look out on the water and it’s a dream; it’s just the best. If the ball goes swimming I might have to join in and now I get a good excuse, the weather is that nice.”

Professionals Benjamin Martin, Sebert Walker and Peter Bradbeer were the remaining players coming in under par after shooting 70.

Bermuda’s Will Haddrell topped the local leaderboard after shooting an even-par 71, which included two birdies.

“I left a few out there but a decent start and I am pretty happy with where I am right now,” he said.

“I entered very late into this yesterday as a last chance to try and qualify for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, so I’m giving it my best and we’ll see how it goes.”

Also among those coming in at even par was past Bermuda Open champion and frequent visitor Billy Walsh.

“I’m very happy to shoot even as I did not hit the ball well,” the Canadian professional said.

“I drove the ball beautifully and I think I hit or was close to every fairway and for whatever reason the irons were just really bad. I hit a horrible tee shot on 13 but I found something coming in and I hit it much better.

“This is my first real tournament that I have played in two years so I’m sure there’s just a little bit of rust but very fortunate to get out of here at even par and unless something goes crazy I still have a chance to win.”

Local amateur Johnny Bart, the youngest player in the field at 17, was pleased with his round of 73.

“I’m happy with the round. I got off to a tough start being three over through six and then after that I found my game and it was pretty smooth sailing,” the Saltus Grammar School student said.

“Never really was in too big of trouble and just hit greens and tried to make some putts.”

The winner of the tournament will earn $50,000 in prize money and exemption to next month’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal.

A new champion will be crowned this year as Englishman Henry Smart is not back to defend his title.