The Victorian swing of the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series returned this week at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club.

Warm spring conditions and a moderate breeze were the order of the day.

Matthew Buff, a Teaching Professional from Melbourne, broke through for a maiden win thanks to his 6-under 66 round at the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Pro-Am. His scorecard included seven birdies and just one bogey.

Cameron John and Ashley Hall both came out hard trying to chase down Buff who posted his score in the morning field.

However, John double-bogeyed his last hole, the 16th, to finish tied with Hall in third place on 3-under 69.

Hall birdied three of his first five holes and looked strong early. Bogeys on holes 18, 3 and 5 were costly but Hall eagled his last hole, the 7th, to make it into the clubhouse on 3-under the card.

Teeing off on the 13th hole, Rick Kulacz’s round got off to a slow start with four straight pars before a bogey on the 17^th saw him 1-over and a long way off the lead.

However, Kulacz turned the corner on the front-9 and birdies on holes 1, 4, 8 and 9 as well as an eagle on the 7^th got him to 3-under the card.  He birdied his last hole, the 12th, to finish outright second on 4-under 68.

Having completed his PGA Traineeship at Yearing Meadows, Buff began competing on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series in 2012 with this win at the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Pro-Am becoming his very first victory.

“I came up here a little earlier than I normally would because I knew it was going to be a good test,” said Buff.

“The greens were just lightning fast out there today.

“It’s always great to come up here and play, the course is always in great condition and it’s a pleasure to play," added Buff, who looks to focus on this playing career following this win.

“I really enjoy my teaching but I want to make playing my focus for the rest of the year. I’ll be trying to pre-qualify for all the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia events coming up.”

The Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series continues tomorrow at the Stuart Appleby Pro-Am at his home course of Cohuna before moving onto the 62^nd Border Open at Barham on Friday.