as the top gun during yesterday's Goodwill Professional Championships winner for the Bacardi Rum Trophy.

Winstead and fellow countryman Steve Masden of Maryland's Lakewood Country Club battled to a standstill over the first 18 holes, each carding one-under-par 70s at Port Royal to force a play-off.

Both recorded pars at the first two play-off holes -- one and two -- before the Lago Mar professional uncoiled a birdie at the par-three, third hole to grab first place.

"It was fun. We both played some good shots, but the main thing was we had a good time out there,'' said a jovial Winstead, who, like Masden, earned $2,150 for his efforts. "I played pretty solid, hit the ball really well, didn't putt well but made a couple and fortunately putted better in the play-off.

"During the play-off, the gentleman (Masden) and I just went out and had a good time. He's a great guy and we were just having fun and to win definitely makes it even more so.'' Coming from Florida where flat courses abound it all boiled down to club selection for Winstead and he certainly made the right choices.

"I think the main thing for me was picking the correct clubs. Being from Florida I don't play many courses nearly as hilly as Port Royal, so choosing the right club was key,'' he explained.

However, Winstead would only have a night to savour the triumph before heading back out today with his Lago Mar teammates in an attempt to wrestle the team championship.

Currently the quartet stand joint 33rd among the 101 team field at net 126 after two rounds, trailing leaders Metuchen by 10 strokes. Still, Winstead was optimistic about their chances of reducing the deficit.

"Hopefully we'll play better the next two days,'' said Winstead. "The guys are excited, we haven't quite got it going yet but are looking forward to the next two days.'' Meanwhile, among the senior division it was Bedrock Country Club's Joe Carr pocketing the $1,700 winners cheque after edging his way to victory by a stroke ahead of William Mitchell (Innis Arden Golf Club) and Steve Spray (St.

Louis Country Club), both of whom left with $695 for their troubles.

Carr managed a two-over-par 73 on the day.