skills that have put him in the top 10 on the PGA Tour.

A gallery of nearly 100 made the trek around the course at Mid Ocean Club watching Faxon's every twinge as he teed off against several top local players including Kim Swan, Glen Simmons and youngster Chris Garland.

"They're all patsies out here,'' Faxon jokingly remarked of his competition, bringing out a huge laugh from Swan.

During his round, the eight-year Tour veteran reflected on the past year that has seen him record his first two Tour victories.

"It's been a tremendous year,'' said Faxon, visiting Bermuda for the first time. "You go out and set goals at the beginning of the year and I've surpassed a lot of them. I played well the whole year, it wasn't just one tournament where I turned it around.

"It's definitely been a career year for me, it doubled the year I had before.'' Faxon started out 1992 in a blaze, placing second to Steve Elkington at the Tournament of Champions back in January.

Further success followed at the Nestle Invitational (eighth) and Heritage Classic (sixth) before he finally broke through to the winner's circle at the New England Classic.

Understandably this triumph ranks high on Faxon's list of accomplishments, especially as he spent many of his formative years playing in the area and currently plays out of Barrington, Rhode Island.

"A lot of things stand out in my mind (regarding this year's Tour),'' said Faxon, who was the College Player of the Year in 1983 at Furman University and has also won New England and Rhode Island amateur titles. "But I think winning the New England Classic while playing with people at home this year was extremely special. It's hard to win at home but when you do it makes it extra satisfying.'' Another first-place finish a month later at The International further added to his resume.

Most recently he wound up joint seventh with five others including Aussie Greg Norman and another American David Frost at the final stop on the Tour, the Tour Championship in North Carolina.

The result -- a cheque for $59,000 -- brought his 1992 earnings to $812,093 and a total of $1,718,893 for his career.

Chipping and putting Faxon says are the stronger points of his game, but notes his genuine love for the sport is what drives him.

Said Faxon: "I've always been known as a pretty good chipper and putter. I would say putting is definitely a strong suit for me but really I think what helps me out is that I actually enjoy what I'm doing.

"A lot of the guys don't really seem to have a good time out here...I mean you could be doing a lot worse things than playing golf and making money.'' Indeed Faxon received an early boost from both his father and grandfather who were both fairly good golfers.

The latter in fact owned a course in Cape Cod and the younger Faxon was able to hone his craft through constant practice, mainly during the summer months, and also caddied a lot.

He entered his first tournament at the age of 13 and went on to win many titles at the amateur level.

Presently ranked 11th among Americans in points for the Ryder Cup, the 31-year-old Faxon said that he relishes the opportunity to play in such an event. "Well I am thinking about it but it's not something that I'm losing sleep over,'' said Faxon. "It would be an honour to be on the team representing your country like that.'' Of the game going on between him and the locals Faxon said that he enjoyed the crowd and the course immensely and hinted on a return visit.

"The course is good but I wish it were blowing a bit more. I'd like to see the conditions hard, but it's a good day and it's nice to see all the people out here...golf is definitely alive in Bermuda.'' Ever the comedian, Simmons brought about a chuckle while putting on the 14th hole when he asked Faxon if he was feeling a bit nervous playing against him.

Belmont pro Cornell Bean was one of those who came away thoroughly impressed by the American.

"I was a good experience,'' said Bean after playing holes seven to 12 with Faxon. "He hits the ball really good, just watching his first few swings made me slow down my swing and get a better tempo, so I picked that up right away.'' "He's a seasoned golfer so really I just wanted to see what type of tempo he had.'' Top youngster Garland suffered through a bit of nerves early on in what must rank as one of the high points on his fledgling career, but settled down after the first few holes.

"I find him to be a very nice guy,'' said Garland. "He even took time out just to give me a quick lesson out there, like making my swing more upright and just little things that need fixing.'' The Florida resident is scheduled to play with other junior golfers over the weekend before returning to the US.

Two Bermuda teams are in the driver's seat after the completion of the first round of the Bermuda Four Ball Championship at Port Royal yesterday.

Finishing tied after carding one-under-par 70s are the veteran team of Peter Tucker and Noel Van Putten, and Adrian Crockwell and Dennis Lowe.

The two local teams were able to get the better of the American defending champions Dennis Connors and Dan Rourke who finished with an even-par 71 to remain in hot pursuit of the leaders.

Ascento and Pitt, who were only just pipped by Connors and Rourke in the fourth round a year ago, will today hope to withstand the challenge of the visitors.

Several other teams remain in hot contention on 73 after carding decent rounds on the first day. The tournament continues at Port Royal today.

FAXON SHOWS THE WAY -- Above, PGA Tour star Brad Faxon shows his driving form while watched by a gallery of almost 100. Below, Mid Ocean Club pro Keith Pearman passes on some his local knowledge to Faxon.