On a picture perfect day in Cairns, Ladbrokes PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing Professional Paul Hayden has shot to the lead following yesterday’s opening round of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz Cairns Classic.

Hayden leads the field after his 6-under par 65 by four shots, while Mike Zilko leads the Ladbrokes PGA Legends Professionals with his 2-under par 69 and Breanna Gill leading the ALPG after carding a 2-under par round.

Hayden returned to Paradise Palms keen for a good finish after what he describes as a disappointing result 12 months earlier.

“It was nice to get my revenge on the course today because it beat me last year,” said Hayden.

“I hit the ball really well off the tee and the left my ball in all the right positions. My putting didn’t let me down either, with 24 putts one of my best days on the greens in recent times."

Mike Zilko leads the way in the Legends after firing a 2-under par 69, one shot ahead of current Order of Merit leader Tim Elliott and Tod Power.

“This is my first visit to Paradise Palms and what a great test of golf it is. You really need to plot your way around the course and that’s exactly what I did today, hitting plenty of fairway woods from the tee to keep the ball in play,” said Zilko.

“I have only been doing a little bit of practise over the last few weeks when weather permits, so it’s more been work on the farm rather than golf in recent times.

“Preparation for tomorrow will be going for a swim, something we can’t do at this time of the year back home.”

This is the first time the Mercedes-Benz Cairns Classic has played host to the Ladbrokes PGA Legends Tour, Ladbrokes PGA Pro-Am Series Sunshine Swing and the ALPG Tour, and with all the Professionals vying for their individual titles, today is shaping up for an exciting finish.