Facing a tricky crosswind that whipped across the course all day, Higginbottom took advantage of the two par-5s on the course to move up leaderboard at the PGA Pro-Am Series event.

An eagle on the par-5 fourth hole, following by a birdie on the par-5 sixth went a long way to helping the Asian Tour player take victory with a round of 5-under 65.

“I’ve never had the chance to play here before but from talking to the boys the course has come a long way in the last 12 months,” said Higginbottom.

“It’s great to have something to play in after the year we’ve had so I’d like to thank Gunnedah Golf Club for hosting us today.”

Matthew Jones and Jordan Widdicombe tied for second place at 2-under the card, ahead of Justin Warren, Aaron Townsend and Martin Dive at 1-under.

The NSW swing of the PGA Pro-Am Series now moves to the Coffs Harbour Golf Club for the North Coast Open in early December.

View the final Gunnedah Golf Club, Stripes Engineering & Komatsu Pro-Am leaderboard at pga.org.au.