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Defending champion Dale Clarke has made a perfect start to his attempt at back-to-back titles by seizing the lead in the Australian Mid Amateur Championship, while Canberra’s Adele Douglas leads the women’s championship.
Clarke shot an even-par 72 at Magenta Shores in New South Wales to lead the 54-hole tournament by a shot from Christopher Campbell of New South Wales and Adam Hawkins of Queensland at 73.
The 34-year-old Sherwood Park member carded six birdies, seven pars, four bogeys and one double bogey in testing conditions.
Douglas, who plays out of Bonville Resort, carded an opening 83 to lead by a shot from Jude Tarran and Olivia Wilson (both NSW).
The 37-year-old from Canberra has only played golf for six years, starting out when she won a Royal Canberra membership at a charity event, and striking up a relationship with club professional Daniel Dosen.
The championships continue tomorrow at Magenta Shores.