Chasing down the morning field benchmark of 2-under 70 set by Josh Clarke, James Grierson, John Lyras and Jay MacKenzie, Dive made his intentions clear from the start by recording three birdies in his first four holes.

Battling against increasing north easterly afternoon winds Dive added a further three consecutive birdies to his scorecard on holes 9, 10 and 11 to finish two shots clear of Andrew Dodt and Jason Perkin.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve played here and I’d forgotten what a great course Belmont is,” said Dive.

“I had great fun today with my group and I’d like to thank the club for hosting the event.”

Dodt and Perkin completed the PGA Pro-Am Series tournament with scores of 4-under 68 for a share of second place, ahead of Dimi Papadatos in outright fourth place at 3-under 69.

The NSW/ACT swing of the PGA Pro-Am Series will next tee it up in February at the Murray Open at Corowa Golf Club.

The summer of Australian golf continues today with the second round of the Latrobe City WIN Network Traralgon Pro-Am Classic in Victoria, ahead of the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia’s resumption at the Gippsland Super 6 from Thursday next week.

For final scores from the Lake Macquarie Pro-Am visit pga.org.au.