WHITSUNDAY GOLF: Whitsunday golfers played the first of two rounds in this year's Club Championship event on Sunday.

Some outstanding scores were recorded, with all winners and runners-up finishing well under their handicap in ideal golfing conditions.

The men's A-grade winner on the day was Scotty Wardroper, who carded 65 to finish ahead of Rod Wecker (67).

The best gross score and longest drive prizes went to Ross Richards.

Reg Kercher triumphed in the B-grade field, edging out Ron Thynne (67) by two shots while Brad Hammond claimed the gross score prize.

Kercher also nailed the day's longest drive.

The ladies' winner was Pauline Redpath following her round of 62.

Penny Wardroper (65) was second while Anna Winterbourn took home the gross title.

Pam Casey and Pauline Redpath won longest drive prizes while nearest-the-pin shots were shared among Rod Wecker (9), Ross Richards (13), Brendon Meharry (2), Rod Wecker (16), Penny Wardroper (2) and Pauline Redpath (2).

The leaders in the Club Championship at the end of round one are Rod Wecker (77), Ross Richards (78), Kym Hill and Scotty Wardroper (80).

Wardroper also leads the A-grade nett title by two-strokes, ahead of Wecker (67), Ken Lovett (70), Don Hope and Peter Browning (71).

The B-grade rundown includes Reg Kercher (65), Ron Thynne (67), Ian Giles and Wilf Herweg (68) while the ladies are led by Pauline Redpath (62), Penny Wardroper (65), Pam Kercher (68) and Tessa Aitken (72).

This week's WFX Encouragement Award went to Pauline Redpath, who birdied no. 2.

This weekend round two of the championships will be held in Proserpine.