US set the early pace yesterday as the Bermuda Open Golf Championships got underway at Port Royal in wet, miserable weather.

Hendley, who came through to win last year in a final round played under gale force winds and lashing rain, again handled the conditions well yesterday as he carded a two-under par 69.

And Mucha, no stranger to Bermuda, was the only other player in the 100-plus field to match that score.

A late withdrawal from the tournament was veteran PGA Tour pro Jim Thorpe who also cried off at the last minute last year due to the death of his parents.

According to Bermuda Golf Association secretary Tom Smith, Thorpe failed to arrive on schedule on Wednesday although his $260 entry fee had been received.

Smith said he was told by Kim Swan, a long-time friend of Thorpe, that the Tour pro had discovered his passport was out of date and had been unable to board the flight to Bermuda.

While Hendley and Mucha hold the early advantage, with 54 holes still to play there are a number of both local and overseas players in contention. Four other players were also under par with rounds of 70.

They included Tim Balmer, who won in 1990, James Becker, Craig Marseilles and Mike Donald.

And among those on even par 71 are top local amateur Henry Ascento. Kim Swan and John Simmons also went round in even par.

Among other former winners in the field, Bermuda's Dwayne Pearman put himself in the hunt with a two-over 73 and Tim Conley, who won here in 1987 and has since won the Belmont Invitational, fired 74.

Patrick Horgan, champion in 1986, carded 73, Gene Fieger, winner in 1992, went round in 75 and Jeff Lewis, who has triumphed twice in the Open in 1985 and 1993, returned a one over 72.

Besides Ascento, Pearman and Swan, there were encouraging performances from two other locals.

Youngster Robbie Spurling carded an impressive 73 as did veteran cricketer Eldon Raynor, who divided his summer between playing golf and cricket in the Commercial League for Safeguard Security.

The second round will be played today.

BOB MUCHA -- The 1989 Bermuda Open champion shares the early lead in this year's tournament after firing a two-under par 69 in the first round at Port Royal yesterday. Also on 69 was defending champion Stuart Hendley.