Local favourite Anthony Johnson holds the lead in one of the
longest running events on the Sunshine Swing of the PGA Pro-Am Series.

Teeing it up in the first round of the City of Mackay Open,
which has been played since 1963, Johnson fired an 8-under 63 in cold and windy
conditions.

Johnson is off to a good start in his quest for a third City
of Mackay Open title and will take a two shot lead into the second round of the
four round tournament.

"It’s
always nice to get a good opening round under your belt. Today was even more
satisfying since I came into the event with little tournament practice," said
Johnson

"Today
I was in complete control of my game, making the putts required to keep my
momentum going."

With more tough conditions predicted for the coming days,
Johnson’s local knowledge could prove invaluable.

"I
always feel comfortable playing at home in front of family and friends. The
forecast isn’t great, but hopefully they will continue to come out and support
me over the next few days."

Johnson will need to continue to play his best golf over the
coming days if he is to have a chance at the title.

Behind him on the leaderboard are a talented bunch of
players including Troy Cox, Geoff Drakeford, R.J. Caracella, Jason Norris and
Doug Holloway who fired opening rounds of 6-under the card.

While the Pros were producing plenty of birdies in the tough
conditions the highlight of the day belonged to a pair of the amateur players.

Nathan Howard and Chooka Hennessy each recorded a
hole-in-one on the 187 metre par-3 5^th hole.