DANIEL Barron and Jacqui Morgan have the early lead in their respective sections of the farewell Shane Doherty Memorial Tri-State Masters golf tournament.
Mildura Golf Resort played host to the opening round of the 54-hole event, which finishes on Friday, for what has been dubbed its grand finale after 31 years.
Barron leads a tight men’s section after shooting a first-round 77, which gives him a two-stroke lead ahead of Wednesday’s second round at Red Cliffs.
Shaun O’Toole, Mark Deacon and Phil Matotek are close behind after all scoring 79, with a host of players one shot further back on 80.
Morgan, of Monash Country Club, came into the tournament as one of the favourites for the women’s section, being a previous Tri-State Masters winner in 2016.
A first-round 76 has her well in front in the women’s draw, with Jodie Deacon (83) and June Tickell (84) rounding out the top three positions.
Play continues on Wednesday at Red Cliffs before the final round at Coomealla on Friday.
