ATKINSON — Keep it low to score low.

That was the key to success for Dan McCarthy of Syracuse, N.Y., who shot a 4-under par 68 on Wednesday to take the lead after one day of play at the New Hampshire Open.

McCarthy conquered the course while so many others struggled with the wind at Atkinson Resort & Country Club by keeping his shots low to the ground, a strategy that helped him build a one-stroke lead heading into today's action.

“I was able to flight it pretty low today,” said McCarthy, 26. “If you kept it below the tops of the trees it didn't effect it much.”

Right behind McCarthy in second place was 47 year old Geoffrey Sisk of Marshfield, Mass., who fired a 3-under 69. Two players were tied for third place at 70, PGA vet and Somersworth native Kirk Hanefeld and Scott Hawley of Shrewsbury, Mass., while five others were knotted at 71.

Those were the only nine golfers in a field of more than 150 who went under par.

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One of the players in the mix at 71 was Joe Leavitt, whose score was the lowest by an amateur in the field. The reigning NHGA State Am champion said he wasn't surprised to see high scores on his home course.

“It was really, really windy all day,” said Leavitt, 18. “I hit some good shots, but knowing the course was definitely a big advantage.”

McCarthy scored low by using a conservative approach. He only used his driver on three holes, all par 5s, and tried to hit as many greens in regulation as possible.

He birdied all four par 5s on the course, but saw how people's scores could blow up.

“It can jump out and get you if you're not careful,” said McCarthy, who plays on the National Golf Association Hooters Pro Golf Tour.

It is the first N.H. Open in about 15 years for Hanefeld, now 56. He hasn't been able to play in the tournament in the past because he has been on tour, but this year the opportunity presented itself and he jumped at it.

“I just happened to be in the area,” Hanefeld said. “I figured I'd play the tournament.”

Hanefeld, who started on the 10th hole, was 4-under through 15 holes, but stumbled down the stretch with bogeys at 7 and 9 to wrap up his round.

A PGA Life member, Hanefeld has three top 10 finishes on the Champions Tour over his career but hasn't played in one of its events since hurting his back in November. He will try to qualify for the 3M Championship in Minnesota next week. He won the N.H. Open in 1982 and is a two-time NHGA State Am champion. He now lives in Acton, Mass.

The course wasn't as friendly this year to defending champion George Zolotas, who shot a 1-over 73. Last year Zolotas of Peabody, Mass., won with a three-round total of 209.

“It was pretty windy out there,” said Zolotas, 26. “I just tried to keep it in play. I played pretty conservative off the tee.”

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Mark Quirk may be reached at mquirk@unionleader.com.