Kiwi Robertson two shots clear

FOLLOW THROUGH: Matthew Holten tracks his ball after a tee-shot.

CHRIS ISON CI--

NEW Zealand’s Hamish Robertson topped a bunched leaderboard after the first round of the Ian Weigh Motors Rockhampton Pro-Am at the Rockhampton Golf Club yesterday.

Robertson shot a 6-under par 66 to take a two-shot lead into the second round, with the rest following close behind.

The New Zealander also played a stellar first round in last weekend’s Golf Classic at Capricorn Resort.

He sat in second spot before dropping away to finish tied for 45th.

Tournament organiser Justin Maker said just three shots separated the top 15 players, who took advantage of the perfect conditions at the golf club yesterday.

West Australian Jason Shine, Victorians David Bransdon and Ashley Hall, Queenslanders Adam Crawford and Henry Epstein, and Samuel Brazel from New South Wales sat tied for second place after rounds of 4-under 68.

Hall, who claimed the Victorian Open title last year, is also a previous winner of the Rockhampton Pro-Am event, claiming the title in 2008.

Maker said Victorian Euan Walters, who won the Classic at Capricorn Resort last weekend, would need a solid second round if he was to catch up to the front-runners after shooting a 1-over 73.

Walters sat tied for 41st after the first round.

The tournament organiser said Brazel, who leads the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit, continued to impress after a first round of 68.

Brazel tied for second place in last week’s Classic.

Rockhampton-born Graham Sheppard shot a 3-under 69 to sit in equal eighth place.

The top 50 professionals after today’s round will continue play over the weekend.

There is good reward on offer for the event, with $50,000 in prizemoney up for grabs.

The tournament, which includes a junior coaching clinic, comes to an end on Sunday.

Leaderboard

Round 1

1. Hamish Robertson (NZ) –6

2. Jason Shine (WA)

David Brandson (VIC)

Adam Crawford (QLD)

Henry Epstein (QLD)

Samuel Brazel (NSW)

Ashley Hall (VIC) –4