Challenging weather conditions greeted the PGA Trainees forthe first round of the National Futures Championship held at Ballarat Golf Clubin Victoria.

As the morning drizzle cleared, the early groups took advantage of the reprieve before the temperature plummeted mid-morning.

Victorian PGA Trainee Mitchell Anketell managed to shoot even par to lead after the morning field.

While the Trainees skills were put to the test and the majority of them struggled to break par, New South Wales Trainee Jason Butt from Wyong Golf Club was impressive in the afternoon.

Reeling off three birdies, counteracted by two bogeys, Butt managed to fire 1-under 71 and was the only player to finish under par in the first round.

Butt heads into the second round with a one shot lead from Mitchell Anketell. On 1-over the card, Hayden Webb, Jack Cox and Adam Burdett round out the top-5 on the leaderboard.

International guest, Matthew Webb from England and the current PGA of Great Britain and Ireland Trainee Champion, opened his National Futures campaign with 2-over the card to be tied sixth with Sahil Sahib.

The Ballarat Golf Course has held up remarkably well considering the persistent rain fall over the last 24 hours and within the region in the month leading in to the tournament.

With clear yet cold conditions forecast for round two, competitors will welcome the drier track with each firmly set on making the 50 player cut following the conclusion of play.