Michael Long fired 6-under 66 at the Twin Waters Golf Club to take a one-shot lead into round two of the Sunshine Coast Masters.

Darren Rix and John Wade are hot on Long’s heels, with the current Ladbrokes Legends Tour Order of Merit leader Brad Burns a further shot back in a tie for third alongside Richard Backwell, Ken Tarling and Grant Fyander, who both recorded the low rounds of the day at Pelican Waters.

Long’s round included seven birdies and 10 pars, with his only blemish coming at the 365 metre par-4 13^th hole.

“I played really nicely today, only missing three greens. It was my putting that set the tone for my round,” said Long.

“I haven’t spent a long time out on the Legends Tour after turning 50 recently, but I am really enjoying my time playing on the tour. It brings back memories of my youth when I was trying to chase the likes of Senior and Davis many years ago.

“It’s been around 15 years since I last played at Twin Waters, so given my lack of course knowledge, I am very pleased with where I sit heading into the second round.”

Grant Fyander, who shot the equal low round of the day alongside Canadian Ken Tarling at Pelican Waters, is looking forward to continuing his form when he tees it up at tomorrow at Twin Waters.

“I found something in my game at Byron Bay on the weekend and have managed to maintain the same feelings here on the Sunshine Coast,” said Fyander.

“When I see my name above Senior, IBF, McKenzie etc I still have to pinch myself knowing I used to watch those guys on TV.

“I haven’t had the best 2018 with only a handful of top-5 finishes, though without getting ahead of myself and with the scores slightly lower at Twin Waters today, hopefully, I can continue this form tomorrow and put myself in a good position heading into Friday.”

Played across both the Twin Waters and Pelican Waters Golf Club, the tournament has gained strength since its inaugural staging in 2015 and is now regarded as one of the most coveted titles on the Ladbrokes Legends Tour.

Players will now switch courses for their second round, before a 36 hole cut will take place, with the top-50 professionals plus ties, competing in the final round at Twin Waters on Friday.

David McKenzie has ended his 2017 season in style going wire-to-wire to take out the Sunshine Coast Masters at Twin Waters Golf Club.

It has been a big season for McKenzie who earned status on the PGA TOUR Champions for next year.

Courtesy of his win at Twin Waters Golf Club, he was also crowned the Australian Senior PGA champion, with the National Championship played in conjunction with the Sunshine Coast Masters.

McKenzie, who has only been part of the Ladbrokes Legends Tour since turning 50 in July, was never troubled by the chasing pack in the final round, finishing at 14-under par, following his 2-under par 70 in today’s final round.

McKenzie finished six shots ahead of Peter Senior, Michael Harwood continued on from his good play at Pelican Waters yesterday to finish in outright third.

“Today has really capped off what has been a busy, but rewarding period in my golfing career,” said McKenzie.

“It was never going to be easy out there today having some of Australia’s greatest chasing me, but after getting off to a good start I settled into my round well.

“I have really enjoyed my time on the Sunshine Coast this week. Both courses at Pelican and Twin Waters were in great condition and you can really see that this tournament is only going to go forward in future years.

“To also be known now as the Australian Senior PGA Champion is a real highlight and I am going to take a moment to have a look at some of the names I have joined on that trophy.”

Professionals will now make the drive up to the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland for the final event of the Labrokes Legends Tour, at the inaugural Maleny Legends Pro-Am.

Brad Burns holds a slender lead in the Order of Merit race over Peter Senior and Tim Elliott, though with Senior electing not to play at Maleny, the battle will be down to two, with Elliott requiring a first or second finish to win back-to-back Order of Merit titles.

David McKenzie has fired a sizzling 7-under 65 at the Twin Waters Golf Club today, to take a three shot lead into round two of the Sunshine Coast Masters.

McKenzie leads by three shots over David Merriman, while three players; Grant Kenny, Craig Warren and Peter Senior shot 3-under 69 at Pelican Waters to be in a share for third.

McKenzie, who recently secured conditional status on the Champions Tour for 2018, recorded five birdies and an eagle in his bogey free round.

“I got off to a hot start. I was 2-under after four holes and hitting it great. I missed a couple of opportunities late but I am very pleased with my opening round,” said McKenzie.

“The guys have been shooting some good numbers lately and it’s nice to be able to get in on the action.”

“It’s my turn to tackle Pelican Waters tomorrow, a course that I am yet to have played. It will no doubt present some challenges with club selection, though hopefully having driven around the course I will overcome any club selection issues.”

Although three shots back, 2015 Sunshine Coast Masters champion Peter Senior is comfortable with his position following the opening round.

“I got off to a pretty strong start and was 2-under after four holes, I just didn’t hit it close enough through the middle part of the round to keep the birdies coming”.

“You don’t have to be too far off the fairway here at Pelican Waters to find trouble. I am several shots back from David but I am comfortable with where I am at after the first round.”

“My family and I love coming to the Sunshine Coast and we have been looking forward to this all year so hopefully I can make it a memorable trip.”

This year’s Sunshine Coast Masters champion will also be crowned the Australian Senior PGA Champion, with Martin Pettigrew looking to defend the title he won at Mollymook Golf Club last year.

Professionals will now switch courses for their second round, before a 36 hole cut will take place, with the top-50 professionals plus ties, competing in the final round at Twin Waters on Friday.

For all the scores from the 2017 Sunshine Coast Masters, please click here.