The Maroochy River layout proved demanding for the Professionals competing in the Maroochy River Pro-Am.

Brett Rankin emerged as the overnight leader after firing a solid 4-under par 68 in today’s opening round.  Rankin had the luxury of teeing off in the morning field and used it to his advantage.

Rankin shot a 1-under par 35 on the front nine just the one birdie on the 6^th hole and closed with a 3-under par 33 including five birdies and a double bogey on the 18^th hole.

“I knew I had to take advantage of the morning tee time," said Rankin.

“The wind always comes up in the afternoon and makes the course play a little harder. I played really steady today with just the one bad hole on the 18^th, I just hit the ball in the wrong place."

The next best placed Professional is Damien Jordan who shot a 3-under par 69 to be one shot off the pace.

“I was happy with the way I played this afternoon," said Jordan.

“I had just the one bogey for the round and struck the ball really well. I’m looking forward to being in contention for the final round."

The final round of the Maroochy River Pro-Am tees off today  at 7am with the leading group of Brett Rankin and Damien Jordan at 12pm.