Eccleston built on an opening score of 6-under par by shooting a 5-under 67 to gain a comfortable margin over of the field.

The current PGA Trainee of the Year, which is awarded for academic and playing excellence, has added yet another achievement to his resume by recording the lowest 36-hole score in the history of the PGA Futures Championship with 11-under.

Eccleston’s round had a similar look to his first with a burst of birdies starting on his 7^th hole.

“I started ok, but then got on a bit of a heater on the 16^th and just kept it going for as long as I could,” Eccleston said.

“After that, my confidence was up and I was feeling good going into the back-nine.”

In ideal scoring conditions at Ballarat Golf Club with sunshine, light winds and receptive greens greeting the 96 Trainee strong field, Eccleston carded seven birdies and two bogies in his impressive round.

Also making the most of his first-round performance was Lakelands Country Club Trainee Ethan Andrews who fired a 4-under 68 to keep well within striking distance of the clubhouse leader.

Alongside Andrews at a 7-under two-round total is Yarrawonga Mulwala Resort Trainee and 2017 winner, Frazer Droop, who shot a solid 69 to stay within four shots of the lead.

Other trainees looking to make a move on day three will be two New South Welshman, Mitch Gannon from Kogarah Golf Club and Tyone Dowling from Northbridge GC, who both shot 4-under 68 to sit at 6-under and 5-under respectively.

A total of 52 players remain after the cut, with plenty of hot weather and even hotter scoring forecast.

Watch all the live scores on the PGA of Australia app or at pga.org.au. Round three commences at 7:30am.