Daily News Photo by CRISTIAN SIMESCU Retired Major League Baseball player Dave Nelson, left, Kevin Svarczkoph and Nick Colabella watches Lindsey Lewis chip a shot.

The American Airlines Charity Golf Classic got under way on Friday with the first of three rounds at the Carambola Golf and Country Club.

The 26th annual Queen Louise Home fundraising event is already off to an intriguing start with two teams tied for first heading into the weekend. De Girls Dem and Annaly Insurance hold the lead with two days to go.

De Girls Dem is made up of Paula Davis, Karen Heckman, Rikki Nelthropp and pro Mike Fitzgerald. The Annaly Insurance team is Brent Mays, Richard Berry, Keith Kirkman and pro Randy Hundley.

The tournament, which has been going strong since 1983, was started as a way to help Lutheran Social Services operate the Queen Louise Home for Children. They are hoping to raise $150,000 for the only residential facility in the territory which serves abused, abandoned and neglected children.

Aside from the golf tournament, celebrities and sponsors will be participating in an auction and gala at Good Hope School tonight. This evening's auction includes art, jewelry, autographed sports memorabilia, trips to sporting events and restaurant and hotel gift certificates.

The event concludes Sunday with the 26 active and former Major League Baseball players, coaches and announcers hitting the links one last time Sunday with the other participants vying for the win.