It
was a cold and blustery welcome for players at the 2016 Mitchell and Brown
Spalding Park Open but it was a memorable start for Victorian Andrew Martin.

The
31-year-old Tour Professional from Bendigo made a strong start to his campaign,
opening with an 8-under 64 which was dominated by a flawless putting display.

Battling
a severe cold and suffering flu like symptoms, Martin set the course alight
with eight birdies and a blemish free card to set up a three-shot lead
heading  into the weekend. 

"The
tight tree lined fairways suit my style of game here and it’s a course which
rewards accuracy and a good short game," said Martin.

"I
putted well out there and made a bomb on the 8^th hole which was my
second to last hole and finishing with two birdies was a nice way to end the
round."

Another
Victorian who made a strong start was Ash Hall who carded a 5-under 67.

The
former Web.com Tour player has been in good form of late and will certainly be
in the mix come Sunday afternoon when the title will be decided.

Joining
Hall on five-under is Sam Daley who, despite three bogeys managed six birdies
and an eagle on the par-5 9th hole.

The
Mitchell & Brown Spalding Park Open is in its 42^nd year and with
the recent clubhouse renovations, the community is out in force to see some of
the best players in the country up close and personal. 

"We
have made some big changes here in recent months and we are all excited to
showcase our new clubhouse and indoor teaching facility along with our great
course," said Head PGA Professional and tournament host Byron Clarkson. 

The
$50,000 purse is one of the richest in the country, providing plenty of
incentive for players from all over Australia who have made the journey to the
seaside city of Geraldton.

"It
has always been one of the best tournaments of the year," said defending
champion Mitchell A Brown who was a popular winner in 2015 and opened with a
respectable round of 2-under 70.

"I
joke around with some of the locals here suggesting it’s pretty cool to have
them name the tournament after me."

West
Australian favorites in action include Kim Felton and Michael Long with rising
stars Jarryd Felton, Callan O’Reilly and Dale Brandt-Richards in the mix.

The
Mitchell & Brown Spalding Park Open continues with round two starting at
7:30am on Saturday morning. Following round two, the leading 40 Professionals
and ties will qualify for Sunday’s final round.