GOLFER Gary Kwek has a small frame.

But he hit it big yesterday, returning a majestic five-under 67 to take the lead on the first day of the ABN AMRO Classic at Keppel Club.

The 5ft 1 (1.65-metre), 53-kilogramme professional (right), attached to Laguna National Golf and Country Club, has a stroke lead over Andrew Welshford going into today's second round.

In lone third spot is Tomoo Bise on 70.

Kwek, 37, said: 'I'm up there because of a strong second nine when I shot six birdies. Maybe, I was a little lucky, but putting was key for me.

'I have played in every leg of OAAG Golf Tour and my best finish was fourth place in the opening tournament. I would love to do well this week.'

The fourth leg of OAAG Golf Tour saw 72 players, and the professionals will vie for a share of the $30,000 prize purse.

While Welsford - coach of Singapore's No. 2 professional Lam Chih Bing at Singapore island Country Club - did well, his student and pre-tournament favourite found it tough adapting to the conditions yesterday.

Playing in his first tournament since making history at the British Open at Royal Birkdale as the only Singaporean to play all four rounds, Lam really struggled.

'I didn't make any birdies and slumped with four bogeys. I was very tired last week after my trip but feel better this week.

'It is just hard getting used to the conditions again. Playing 10 rounds at Royal Birkdale has affected my swing a little but I am glad to be back and will settle in soon I am sure.

'There are two days to go here and it's a challenging course so anything can happen. I am heading to the driving range to work on a few things and will be ready for tomorrow,' said Lam who took top honours at the pro-am event on Tuesday with a 69.

Top amateur yesterday was Lion Goh (left) from Laguna who shot a 73.

Lion said: 'I had quite a tough round today but I made a lot of crucial putts with six birdies. It is quite a difficult course with narrow fairways and some of the greens are hard to read.

'This is my second event on OAAG Golf Tour and my best score so far. I hope I can have another good day tomorrow.'