The eighth annual Joe Fortunato Celebrity Golf Classic teed off under overcast skies, but by the time the afternoon group hit the Duncan Park Golf Course, the sun was shining bright with a slight breeze.

&uot;It was a great day for a golf tournament,&uot; Fortunato said. &uot;Everything went smooth and play was fast and easy. Everybody had a good time.&uot;

Leading the tournament are the teams of Jimmy Hibbs, Peggy Berniard, Mike Smith and C.J. Swillie; and Jimmy &160;Trindle, Bob Davis, Glen Davis and Heath Davis. Both teams shot 58s.

Four teams are tied at 59.

At one stroke back are the teams of Bill Byrne, Pat Biglane, Kathy Hinson and Joe Dallalio; Larry Davis Gary Farmer, Henry Farmer and Cookie Wilson; Derrick Whittington, B.J. Guido, Paul Sparks and Steve Comeaux; Charles Chapman, Jerry Chapman, Ronnie Boone and Jim Magee.

Three teams are at 60.

They are Al Conn, Al Hall, Connie Kanoy and Greg Whitam; Jamie Spring, Malcolm Anders, Randy Brumfield and Ralph Laukhuff.

Former NFL football players Noland Smith, Eagle Day, Billy Shaw and Ray Poole are competing.

The tournament is the top fund-raiser for the Miss-Lou Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.

The $125 entry fee is used for scholarships given by the local NFFHF chapter to seven area high school seniors at its annual February banquet.

Also, former Ole Miss and Green Bay standout Allen Brown will be doing the cooking again today.