to emerge as the star of the first day's play of the $35,000 Bermuda Open Championships, blazing around for a four-under-par total of 67 to lead by a stroke over fellow American Gene Fieger.

The 31-year-old PGA Tour professional, visiting Bermuda for the first time, showed his class, recording seven birdies and nine pars against one bogey and a double-bogey -- both on the front nine -- and this after playing the course for just the second time since his arrival.

Such was his mastery that he hit 16 greens in regulation and three putted only once, that on the par-three third hole.

Making the turn at one under, Cooper was flawless over the back nine, counting three birdies to his credit and having no trouble with the often treacherous 16th, which he parred.

"It was kind of fun out there today,'' said Cooper, who pocketed $17,000 at last month's Canadian Open, won by Greg Norman, after finishing in a tie for 15th with tour regulars Curtis Strange and Paul Azinger. "I played three and two-irons off the tee and just tried to hit it in the fairway and onto the greens.'' Meanwhile, Feiger, another first-time competitor, similarly enjoyed a run of good fortune. At one point he birdied three holes in succession, numbers four, five and six -- all par-fours -- and finished with five altogether for his 68.

A stroke further back in third place is local pro Dwayne Pearman (69), a winner of the tournament in 1988 and fourth last year.

He was remarkably steady throughout the day, making just one real mistake, that coming on the 461-yard par-four 11th, which he bogeyed. Otherwise it was smooth sailing for Pearman as he parred eight of the first nine holes and six of the next nine with three birdies sprinkled in for good measure.

"I felt pretty good, it's the first time I've broke par in a couple of months,'' said Pearman. "I drove the ball well and didn't three-putt. Plus I hit 12 greens in regulation.'' However, Pearman down played his day's performance saying there was still a long way to go towards the championship.

"One thing about golf is that you can't predict how things will turn out. You take one day at a time.

"First of all I have to be patient. Recently I've not been in it mentally but I'm feeling better about things now.'' The duo of Tom Sullivan and another former champion, Bob Mucha stand poised on 70 followed by another group at 71 including Jeff Lewis, Craig Marseilles, John Reeves and Larry Rentz.

Defending champion Ron McDougal will need to improve some today after falling five strokes behind in posting a 72 as did regular visitor Tim Conley, the winner of the previous day's Pro-Am on account of his 68. Others at 72 include Tony Brabiner, Eddie Kirby and Bahamian Glenn Pratt.

But all eyes will be on Cooper, who will have shaken off the unknown tag based on yesterday's performance.

Currently in his third year on the US pro tour he has a best placing of 11th at the Federal Express St. Jude Classic in 1990.

He grew up in Houston and attended university with world number two Fred Couples. Cooper said that the greens here were quite comparable to those he played on as a youngster and had little trouble making adjustments.

Cooper arrived as a guest of John Scrymgeour, the owner of Pro Gear, a golf company Cooper represents.

"It's been a nice trip so far and it looks like it may get even better.'' Top amateur thus far is Nicholas Mansell at 74 followed by Henry Ascento, Howard DeSilva and Mark Chestnut all on 75.

DWAYNE PEARMAN -- The leading local challenger to Carl Cooper with a score of 69 yesterday.