the build-up to the Bermuda Open when he shot a six-under-par 65 yesterday at Port Royal Golf Club to win by two strokes and pocket a cheque for $720.

Kelly Murray, the 37-year-old long drive champion, showed he can also mix his long and short game by finishing second behind Kirby with 67, which earned him $600.

Two other visiting pros, Tony Brabiner and John Reeves, shared third place with three-under-par 68s, which gave them each cheques of $420.

Last year's top two finishers in the Open, Gene Fieger and Craig Marseilles, each had rounds of 69, which were good enough to earn them $180 while Bob Mucha, another visitor, was next on 70 for a cheque of $120.

Seven players completed the course with even-par 71 and all received a cheque for $52. They were Michael Caporale, Delroy Cambridge, Jeff Lewis, Lloyd James, Dwayne Pearman, Kevin Battersby and Martin Gray.

In the team category, which included two pros and two amateurs, the foursome of Delroy Cambridge, Cornell Bean, Paul Miller and Paul Watson placed first on 59 with two other teams finishing one stroke behind on 60. Winning by retrogression were Peter McCutcheon, Tony Brabiner, John Cassock and B.J.

Dowling over Kirby, Mark Carens, Mike Kevaney and Paul Chenault.

A total of 36 pros and 36 amateurs took part in the event, which serves as a prelude to the four-round Bermuda Open, which begins this morning at Port Royal GC.

GENE FIEGER -- The defending Bermuda Open champion was joint fifth in yesterday's Pro-Am with two-under-par 69.