inaugural Johnnie Walker Black Label Golf Classic at Ocean View yesterday.

The St. George's Club professional goes into today's second round with a one-stroke lead over Dwayne Pearman and Keith Smith after his one-over-par 71.

The final round of the 54-hole tournament will be played tomorrow.

Also hot in pursuit of Swan and a share of the $3,500 purse are Kevin Benevides and Lloyd James who shot 73s. Among the others doing well in the opening round are Joe Cheeseman 74, American Mike Kubiseski and Frankie Rabain on 75, and Michael Daniels, Phillip Smith and Janice Simons 76.

While giving Swan credit for his solid performance, perennial favourite Pearman is hopeful of improving his game after his two-over-par effort yesterday.

"I didn't play as confidently as I expected so I tried to be as patient as possible and concentrate on hitting the greens. I hit nine out of 18 and it turned out to be a fair effort, my score was respectable for the number of greens I eventually hit,'' said Pearman.

The amateur competition starts today with 60 players involved in the under-55 division and 14 in the senior division.

Local junior Duncan Zelkin was the top qualifier for the Jacksonville University golf team and will represent them in the Southeast Conference tournament next week at Stetson University in Florida.

Zelkin, a freshman at the university and bidding for a full scholarship next year, had a two-round score of 141, which included his first-ever hole-in-one during the second round. Zelkin will be in a squad of 10, who will compete against about 20 universities.