The $30,000 Yeppoon Legends Pro-Am is the start of the QLD Swing of the Ladbrokes PGA Legends Tour, which will host 28 tournament rounds during July and August offering more than $350,000 in prizemoney.

Yeppoon local Doug Gardiner and USA’s Richard Gilkey will share the lead heading into the final round of the tournament after an opening round of two under par 69. Gilkey, who has just returned from the US where he competed in both the US Senior Open and US PGA Championships, was pleased to give himself a chance tomorrow.

“I have been doing plenty of travel in cars and on planes over the last few weeks so the body was feeling a bit tight, however I am really glad to put myself in a good position” said Gilkey.

Gilkey’s round included six birdies on holes 3, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 18 with his four bogies coming on holes 1, 5, 15 and 16. For Gardner, his limited playing schedule certainly has him feeling some emotions heading into tomorrow.

“Although I played really nicely today I am quite surprised to be at the top of the leaderboard and no doubt I am going to be nervous on the first tee tomorrow given it has been a while since I have been in this position” said Gardner.

“I have played at Yeppoon more than most and am really impressed with the way the course has come up and it’s great to hear the good feedback from the other pro’s.”

Gardner’s round included three birdies on holes 2, 6, 8 and 17 with his two bogies coming on holes 4 and 11. Notables Peter Senior, Mike Harwood and defending champion Brad Burns each carded one over par rounds of 72 and will start the final round three back from the leaders. Tomorrow’s final round begins at 7am with the leaders teeing off at 12pm.