Redland Bay PGA Trainee Professional Gavin Fairfax has overcome a three-shot deficit in the closing round of the 2018 Pampling Plate to be the leading qualifier heading into the opening round of match play.

Blustery conditions made for difficult scoring conditions throughout the qualifying rounds, though it was Fairfax that bucked the scoring trend to close with a 6-under par 65, and finish with a five-shot cushion.

Fairfax finished at 5-under for the 36 holes qualifying, with first-round leader Dean Jamieson succumbing somewhat to the conditions over the final nine holes to finish second.

“It wasn’t easy out there with the wind today and to be honest I really did ride my luck at certain points throughout the day,” said Fairfax.

“It’s a different game heading into the match play stages. You need things to go your way somewhat, as you never know what your opponent is going to bring to the first tee of your match.

“The Caboolture course can be played many different ways and there will no doubt be many different driving lines chosen throughout the knock out stages. It’s a great risk reward course, so hopefully I can make my way through the opening rounds and give myself a shot at lifting the Pampling Plate on Thursday.”

Fairfax will face third-year PGA Trainee Arthur Rienstra in the opening round, while Jamieson will take on fellow first-year PGA Trainee Stephen match play.

The round of 32 match play is underway, followed by the round of 16 this afternoon.

For all scores from the 2018 Pampling Plate please click here.