DON POOLEY shot an eight under par 64 to grab a two shot lead after the opening round of the Bell South Classic in Georgia.

Pooley, the top putter on the USPGA Tour, put together a nearly perfect round with eight birdies and 10 pars.

Five golfers were tied for second at 66, including Nick Price, who is in prime position to win his second tournament in less than a month. Price captured the MCI Classic at Hilton Head, South Carolina three weeks ago, then took a break.

Price was tied for second with Scott Simpson, Donnie Hammond, Bobby Wadkins and local favourite David Duval.