Strong winds made for difficult scoring conditions on the tight Bungool layout during the first round of the 2017 NSW/ACT PGA Trainee Championship.

NSW third year PGA Trainee, Andrew Thompson is the early pace-setter with 2-under par 70 in blustery and tricky conditions.

Thompson made the most of his early tee-time, getting off to a fast start with birdie on his first hole, followed by an eagle on the short Par-5 5th hole to make the turn at 2-under the card. A birdie on the 18^th hole ensured an even par back-9.

“I was happy with my game today. The eagle obviously got my round going a bit on the front side and I was able to keep the momentum going with a few par saves on the back. The birdie on 18 was a nice way to finish off a consistent day," Thompson said.

“It’s the kind of golf course where you just have to hang in there and be very patient. The greens were firm but the course is in excellent condition."

The leaderboard reads “Thompson and Thompson” at the end of day one with Bathurst’s Dylan Thompson shooting an even par round of 72 to secure outright second place.

Defending champion Robbie Hogan is in the chasing pack, shooting a 2-over par 74 to be well placed going into tomorrow. An errant tee shot off the first made for a slow start for Hogan, recording a double bogey before playing the remaining 17 holes at even par.

First round scores can be accessed here. The second round is underway now.