Kent-based professional Gavin Lingard and Surrey's Steve Cowle claimed a share of the lead on the opening day of the Merrist Wood Masters, the second of the PGA South Region's Order of Merit.

Lingard, from Poult Wood near Tonbridge, set the pace with a four-under-par 68 but he was later joined by Cowle, of Hoebridge Golf Centre.

They lead by one from Chris Roake (Buckinghamshire), James Ablett (Lee-on-Solent) and Andrew Cloke (South Winchester) - whose round of 69 included a hole in one at the 159-yard 2nd.

Lingard was satisfied with his round but felt the day could have gone better for him.

"I didn't hit it that well off the tee but I putted quite well," said the 31-year-old, who moved to Poult Wood from Chelsfield Lakes a year ago.

"I think it was better for us among the morning starters as it got a lot warmer later on.

"But there is still a long way to go and I'm not looking at the overall situation until tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon."

Current Order of Merit leader Matthew Ford (Marriot Tudor Park), who won the Southern Open last month, is two shots off the pace after a 70.

The second and final day tomorrow consists of two rounds. The cut was made today at two over and 42 professionals and two amateurs from the Merrist Wood campus of Guildford College will return for 36 holes.

At the end of the season the leading three players on the Order of Merit qualify for the Srixon PGA Play-Offs at Royal Liverpool in Hoylake.