American Joe Carr, a permanent fixture in Bermuda at this time of year, set the early pace with a blistering five-under-par 65 on the opening day of the Belmont Invitation yesterday.

And with his nearest rivals three shots back there was already talk of the affable New Englander becoming the first `senior' player to win this tournament outright.

As a junior, Carr won the event back in 1979 and 1982. As a senior he's been untouchable since that division was introduced in 1990, winning for four successive years.

And on yesterday's flawless showing, there's every chance he can complete an unprecedented double.

A bogey-free round complemented by birdies at holes one, four, eight, ten and 11 separated Carr from the rest of the field on a day when conditions were generally kind.

But only two others -- American Fran Marrello and Bermuda's Dwayne Pearman -- could break par.

Marrello and Pearman, the 1992 champion, both carded 68s, two shots clear of a cluster of players who matched the card.

But they now all need to put pressure on Carr, who admitted afterwards he had set himself a target of completing four rounds in the 60s.

"That's what I'd like to do, and whether it would be good enough to win, who knows? Whatever happens, happens.

"I know the course as well as anyone, and I'm hitting the ball straight. I'd like to be in there at the end.'' Carr, who played on the European seniors tour this year and hopes to spend more time "across the pond'' next season, put his success yesterday down to a solid putting stroke.

"I putted well, but I was never in trouble,'' he commented. "I had to sink a six footer on three to make par, but that was about as bad as it got.

"The greens are much better than last year. The ball's rolling very well.'' Those in the chasing pack behind Pearman and Marrello include Bermuda's Scott Mayne, who was the last amateur to win back in 1986, local senior pro J.J.

Madeiros, Boston's Paul Parajeckas and fellow American pro Tom Shea who all fired even par 70s.

Barry DeCouto, arguably the Island's most improved amateur, put himself in the frame with a one-over 71, as did senior pro Charlie Moore.

But for defending champion Tim Conley, who came in as a favourite to repeat his triumphs of last year and 1991, and Canadian Ian Doig, a three-time winner in '84, '85 and '87, yesterday's round left them with a lot of ground to make up.

Both had to settle for three-over 73s, eight shots behind Carr.

Local pro Keith Smith turned in a 72 and others on 73 included Belmont's own Cornell Bean and Castle Harbour's Kevin Benevides.

JOE CARR -- superb opening round of 65 gave the New England pro a three shot lead in the Belmont Invitation.