SKIP KENDALL, playing in the last group of the day, had the best score of the first round of the Doral Open in Miami yesterday, his seven-under-par 65 giving him a one-stroke lead over Greg Norman, Bob Tway and Lee Rinker.

Five players were at five under par, including the long-slumping 1988 Masters' winner Sandy Lyle, off to his best tournament start in years.

Kendall had eight birdies in the first 12 holes of Doral's Blue course. His only bogey came on in the 16th hole, when he hit into two different bunkers.

Norman, who has not only won this event three times, also holds the scoring record at 26 under par.