The Rich River Trainee Classic teed off with a pro-am day enjoyed by 230 Rich River Golf Resort members, guests, sponsors and PGA Trainee Professionals.

At the conclusion of play, spectators lined the 1^st tee for the running of the annual Doug Fraser Memorial Long Drive Competition.

Steven Loader one of the Head PGA Professionals at the Rich River Golf Resort described Doug as, “a friend and mentor to both members and PGA Trainees during his life.”  He told the crowd that, “Doug was a big hitter and the Long Drive Competition was a fitting way to remember his long standing contribution to the Club.”

After a tightly fought contest, third year PGA Trainee Professional Aaron Attwell from Mandalay Golf Club in Victoria bombed a massive 320.43 metre drive straight down the line to take the $500 prize and add his name to the shield.

Although an early forecast for round 1 predicted a high of up to 40 degrees, a last minute weather change provided a cool drizzly morning for PGA Trainee Professionals as they took to the tee for the first round of the Rich River Trainee Classic.

As the rain persisted, scoring proved challenging.  Third year PGA Trainee Professional Tyler Marotti from Leongatha Golf Club in Victoria fought hard to return the best score of the morning, a 1-under 71, with Zac Fuller from Sandy Creek in South Australia the next best and one shot behind.

The afternoon field were treated to sunshine but as a trade off were faced with stronger winds.  First year PGA Trainee Professional, Brayden Petersen from Asquith Golf Club in New South Wales played very steady golf, handling the conditions well to card six birdies for a 3-under 69 to take the overall lead.

Sahil Sahib, a third year PGA Trainee Professional from the National Golf Club – Long Island, also fared well to be second overall with a 2-under 70.

With the wind expected to bluster again for the second round it will be another testing day for PGA Trainees at Rich River.