A strong contingent of Novocastrians made up part of the 63 professionals at the Greater Bank Merewether Pro-Am.

In the morning local Jake Higginbottom shot 4-under 66 along with Ben Wedmaier to take the early clubhouse lead

They were run down by big-hitting youngster Troy Moses who finished with 5-under 65

Moses who has been installing commercial duct air conditioners over the past month explained how it was nice to be back on the course.

“I’ve been working 12 hour days installing air conditioners so it’s great to be back out on the golf course. Even better that I played well and took out the win," said Moses.

"I’m looking forward to playing over the next three weeks it beats installing air conditioners."

Jake Higginbottom and Ben Wedmaier were joined by Brad Doherty on 4-under 66 which saw them share runner-up spoils.

Rounding out the top five with 3-under 67’s was Leigh McKechnie, Matthew Stieger and Darren Beck.

The NSW/ACT swing of the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series will be at the Muree Pro-Am on Wednesday.