THE 2013 Australian Men’s Senior Amateur Championship is underway at the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane.
After the first round of the 54 hole event NSW senior Sal Ballard and Kiwi  Murray Martin were joint leaders on 2-over.
The first day saw very tough conditions with strong winds for most of the day increasing to make it even more challenging for the later starters.
While many senior golfers struggled on the demanding Royal Queensland greens, Ballard displayed a deft touch and finished with just 24 putts.
Martin played solid golf with four bogies and two birdies and as a previous winner of the New Zealand Senior Amateur Championship has the experience to join the small group of players who have won both national titles.
Many of the big names struggled on the first day, with defending champion Sam Christie shooting a 7-over 79 and three time champion Stefan Albinski an 80.
No doubt they, and other leading contenders, including the likes of three time Kiwi winner Rodney Barltrop (76), Denis Dale (80), Roy Vandersluis (77) and local Peter King (79), can bounce back.
This is the 33rd edition of what is the premier senior amateur golfing event in Australia.
Australian Men’s Senior Amateur Leaderboard
Australian Men’s Senior Amateur Leaderboard