New Zealand’s James Anstiss has fired a bogey-free 7-under 65 at Spalding Park Golf Club to lead the field following the opening round of the 2019 Mitchell & Brown Spalding Park Open.

Winter has officially touched down in Western Australia with Geraldton copping the main brunt of it for the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series tournament, but it did little to deter Anstiss whose round featured five birdies and an eagle.

“It’s my first time here to Geraldton and playing Spalding Park and this course is great,” said Anstiss.

“I drove it really well which I feel is key around here, hopefully it continues.”

Overnight rain saw 30mm splashed onto the golf course, a huge amount considering the region had only seen 2mm since September last year, yet the golf course had handled the drenching amazingly and allowed for an on-time start to get this year’s event underway.

Cool conditions greeted morning players where Brady Watt, Rory Bourke, and Brad Moules continued great form posting 2-under 70’s to join the 2012 winner Daniel Fox for tied 5^th position.

Head Professional and General Manager of Spalding Park Golf Club Byron Clarkson used his local knowledge to lead the morning players for most of the day to eventually post a round of 3-under 69 alongside Michael Choi.

Josh Younger, who is not shy of collecting trophies at the moment having just won the South West Open along with the WA State Foursomes Championship with Adam Burdett on Tuesday, found himself in second position after a superb, bogey-free 5-under 67.

Round two will be followed by a cut to 30 professionals for Sunday’s final round.