CHAMPION James Johnson is poised to make a bid for the 2012 RBC Golf Classic title as the tournament enters the final 18 holes at the Barbados Golf Club on Sunday.
One of the island’s most prestigious tournaments, the Classic has attracted the island’s top players with cricket legend and National Hero Sir Garfield Sobers and former Barbados cricketer Nolan Clarke among those teeing off Saturday.
Under bright sunshine on the opening day, Johnson shot a two-under par 70 to lead the field by three strokes during a highly competitive day on the greens and fairways.
The Barbados national captain, Johnson started the tournament in ominous form – sinking an eagle and two birdies on the first three holes and sustained the form to post 33 strokes on the front nine and 37 on the back.
Trailing Johnson in the men’s championship flight are  Judd Cozier (73), Canada-based Stephen Layne, the 2010 RBC champion, with 75 and Barbados junior Donald Leacock, who also shot 75.Â
Nolan Clarke, back home on holiday from Holland, shot a gross 78.
In women’s play, mother and daughter Lyn deCambra-McLeod and Muffin Stollmeyer, dominated their division on the first 18 holes and appear set to challenge each other for the title on the final day.
Stollmeyer, the winner of the United Open in September, led her rivals with an even par 72 and was chased by her mother , deCambra-Mcleod with a score of 77.
Defending champion Helen Foster was eight shots behind on 80 while Julia Stephenson registered 89.
Competition remains intense among the seniors as veteran Barbados players Robert Piggott and Ricky Skeete both returned gross scores of 77 to lead the field after the first day.
Clive Newman was two shots off the pace , on 79, while Michael Haynes was third on 81.
The men’s first flight, featuring players with 10 to 19 handicaps, appears set for an interesting finish with Peter Morgan leading a field of 34 players. He shot a gross 81 and was two shots ahead of RBC Executive Frank Drakes (83) and Ricardo Jarvis (83).
More than 100 players are contesting honours in the eighth RBC Classic where Richie Alleyne leads the Super Seniors division (players over age 60)Â with a gross 75 and Bruce Tudor second on 76. (BB)
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