Three birdies in four holes helped long time PGA Professional Euan Walters secure the PGA Professionals Championship of Victoria title in his first attempt.

Walters who joined the PGA in 1997 after completing his PGA Traineeship had been ineligible to enter the event previously due to his ISPS HANDA Australasian Tour Status.

“It was the first time I have been able to enter, so it’s great to be involved," Walters said.

Walters signed for 3-under 69, one shot ahead of Ben Bunny and Lloyd White and two shots clear of defending champion James Hartley.

In the largest field on record, 72 PGA Professionals took to Cranbourne Golf Club on Friday morning to contest the Victorian qualifier for the PGA Professionals Championship Final which is held at Hamilton Island Golf Club in late October.

Despite heavy rain in the preceding days the course at Cranbourne Golf Club was in first class condition.  Sometimes forgotten in the discussion of high level venues in Melbourne, Cranbourne hosted the Country’s richest Pro-Am during the 80’s and also the Victorian Open Championship in 2000 & 2001.

“The course was fantastic, we’ve played a few Tour events here in the past and it’s always a pleasure to play here,” Walters added.

12 Victorian members now progress to the Championship Final at Hamilton Island Golf Club to compete in a field of 50 qualifiers for a share of $55,000 in prize money across three days with the top two finishers also gaining exemption into the 2017 Australian PGA Championship.

Run in conjunction on the day was the Victorian Club Professional title.  It was Lonsdale Golf Club Head Professional Sean Charleston leading the pack.

This win, Charleston’s third, comes 10 years after his first in 2007 and three after his second in 2013.

“It’s great to win again, it’s a great field and I’m a little surprised to be honest," Charleston said.

He finished on 1-under 71, one shot clear of RACV Healesville’s Ben Eyton-Jones and Victoria Golf Club’s Paul Wright.