Andrew Kirkman and Cooper Giddings both produced blistering rounds to sit on top of the NSW Country Championship leaderboard after round one.

On the newly designed Parkes golf course, their rounds of seven under par (65) were both confirmed as new course records.

Kirkman’s round consisted on six birdies, one bogey and a hole out eagle on the 10th hole was in fine form to keep his chances of going back to back and claiming his third Country Championship.

“I hit the ball well, made some putts and the guys in the group made the day worthwhile.”

“The course is in great condition and full credit to the super and his intern. To have the course looking like this is just a testament to him.”

Dubbo’s Giddings had eight birdies and one bogey is his equal course record and has him in good position to make a run at what would be his biggest title.

“Played really well and was rolling the ball nicely on the greens. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Closely behind are Colin Mitchell from Links Shell Cove who was steady all day and finished just one shot a drift at six under par and fellow Illawarra DGA team mate Ethan Harvey from Kiama who sits at 4 under par.

In the Inter-District Teams Event, Illawarra DGA on 282, will take a 4 shot leading into round 2 over Central West DGA who are on 286 and a further 3 shots back are ACT Monaro on 289.

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