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.