Tucker's Point, playing in competition under that banner for the first time since undergoing extensive changes from what was formerly known as Castle Harbour, roared into the early lead of the 50th annual Goodwill Golf Championships yesterday.

While over 90 teams, the majority from the USA, are competing this year in what represents the largest entry since 1995, it was the Bermuda foursome led by long-time pro Kevin Benevides who too a first round stranglehold on the 72-hole tournament as they combined for a 16-under par net score of 54 at Riddell's Bay.

Benevides' team-mates are Danny Fagundo, Paul Booth and David Stultz.

Meanwhile, another local club, Port Royal, led by veteran Frankie Rabain, are breathing down the necks of the leaders as they share second place with the visiting Montgomery Country Club.

Rabain, Eldon Raynor, Jeff Piggott and Alan Declair carded a net 55 (15-under-par) also playing at Riddell's Bay.

Montgomery, consisting of pro Frank Ferguson and amateurs Al Hedland, Edward Noye and John Alderman, turned in the same score at the same course.

In the gross division, it was Tim Conley's Avila Golf and Country Club from Florida who set the pace along with Columbia Country Club.

Conley, George Brown, John Downs and Eddie Marshall combined for an eight-under-par 62 at Tucker's Point while Columbia registered the same score at the less demanding Riddell's Bay.

As expected, very few of the day's low scores were recorded at either Port Royal or Mid Ocean Club, considered the toughest of the four courses being used this week.

Tournament history was made yesterday as Kirsten Allbright from the Quechee Club in Vermont became the first female ever to lead a Goodwill team. However, her quartet could manage only a gross 73 (net 66) playing at Port Royal.

One familiar name in the field is that of Bob Duval, father of US Ryder Cup star David Duval.

Representing the Orange Park Golf and Country Club in Florida, Duval turned in a 69 on his own ball at Tucker's Point yesterday and leads the seniors with 22 points in the individual professional stableford competition which will be run in conjunction with the team event throughout the week. Ted Goin of Plantation and David Carazo of Tuxedo Club share second among the seniors on 21 points.

The junior pro stableford sees David Hutsell of Columbia in front after he fired a superb 63 at Riddell's Bay yesterday for 25 points. That is expected to be comfirmed as a new course record.

Conley trails by four points on 21 after carding 67 at Tucker's Point while Michael Sherman of defending team champions St. Charles CC also recorded 21 points.