The 3rd Australian Men’sMid Amateur Championship began on Tuesday at The National Golf Club with the title being contested in a unique format across all three courses for the first time. The day&aposs play commenced with moderate hot northerly winds, making conditions for scoring on the Old Course very challenging. Kym Olsen (Vic), who is a member of the National Golf Club took up the challenge and proceeded to post a 2 under par round of 70 to lead the Australian Men&aposs Mid Amateur by 2 shots after Round 1. Olsen leads fellow member Jarrod Schulz (Vic) and Peter Woodward (Vic). Defending champion Jason Perry (Vic) who recently returned from his trip to Royal Sydney where he played alongside his idols in the 2008 Australian Open, played steady golf to finish tied fourth, 3 shots behind the leader in a group of 4 other players. Players faced changing conditions mid way through the day, with the wind switching to the south. Players were challenged with a moderate southerly breeze during the afternoon, making it difficult to score well. The players commented on the superb condition and the test they faced on the Old Course. Competitors will now face the Greg Norman-designed Moonah course for Round 2. This year&aposs champion will gain a full exemption to the 2009 Men&aposs Australian Open at New South Wales Golf Club.