Barrett leads after record 63

Tina Barrett shot a course-record 9-under-par 63 on today to take a three-stroke lead in the First Union Betsy King Classic.

Barrett, who broke the Berkleigh record of 65 held by Laura Davies, Dale Eggling and Kelly Robbins, had nine birdies and hit all 18 greens in regulation in the lowest score of her career.

``If you would ever visualize a dream round, this would be it,'' Barrett said. ``When I got a kick on the second hole, I figured it would be a good day, and I should take advantage of it.''

She played the back nine in 5-under 30.

``I got more aggressive as the day went on, and I really started to feel good about myself,'' said Barrett, who won the 1989 Ocean State Open for her lone title in 12 years on the LPGA Tour.

Jean Bartholomew was second after a 66.

Bartholomew, coming off a season-best sixth-place finish in the Rail Classic, played in foggy morning conditions.

``I was really stiff out there this morning when I started because it was a little cold out,'' Bartholomew said. ``I was able to hit the ball good off the tee and keep it in play.

``I couldn't see my tee shots this morning because of the fog on the first two holes.''

She made five birdies in a front-nine 31, holing a 30-foot putt on the ninth hole.

``I think that the hard work is just beginning to pay off,'' Bartholomew said. ``Things haven't been too bad lately. I know that I have missed a few cuts, but it has only been by a few shots.''

Meg Mallon and Sara Sanders opened with 67s, and defending champion Hy Yung Kim was another stroke back along with Kristi Albers, Michele Redman and Maggie Will.

Rachel Heatherington, the 1998 winner, shot a 71, and tournament host Betsy King opened with a 72.

Amy Benz had a hole-in-one on the 143-yard 16th hole. She finished with a 72.

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