A birdie blitz has helped John Wade hold a strong advantage following round one of the Sunshine Coast Masters.

Wade registered a whopping nine birdies to be 7-under 65 – three strokes clear of second-placed Chris Hollingsworth at the Twin Waters course.

Eighty Senior Professionals are taking part in the Ladbrokes Legends Tour events which is played at two courses, Twin Waters and Pelicans Waters..

The field swill swap courses tomorrow before the competition is reduced to the top 50 competitors.

Tied professionals who will play the third and final round at Twin Waters on Friday.

Brad Burns and Richard Gilkey had the best rounds of the day at Pelican Waters, both carding 2-under 70.

Ian Baker-Finch, playing at Pelican Waters, while Peter Senior, Twin Waters, both scored 1-under 71.