professional Joy Bonhurst, opened a nine-stroke lead in the gross division of the eighth Bermuda Easter Lily Pro-Am Tournament yesterday at Port Royal.

Bonhurst shot a 73 on her own ball and amateur Bailey Scheurer of Chevy Chase paid respect to her pro when she said: "It was comforting to have a pro playing so well in such a tough format. It certainly made our jobs a lot easier.'' Belmont continue to lead in the net division with professional Judithanne Astwood giving credit to her team-mates.

The Pro Am breaks today for the Tanqueray Ladies Day Classic at St. George's (9.15 shortgun start) which has attracted some 76 amateurs and professionals and has a pro purse of $4,000. The amateurs will compete in flights for gross and net honours.

Lobster Pot, led by another recently-turned local pro, Kim Marshall, seem a likely candidate to challenge in the Pro Am, moving into second place in both net and gross divisions.

A local team led by pro Dwayne Pearman beat the Villanova University men's team of Pennsylvania in a challenge match yesterday at Port Royal. The visitors are here on spring break and have been playing on various courses.

KIM MARSHALL -- Bermuda's new professional made her debut in the Easter Lily Pro Am and will likely pick up her first cheque today when she competes in the Tanqueray Ladies Day Classic at St. George's.