South Australian Lachlan Barker lit up Queanbeyan Golf Club on day one of the Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifier, surging to the top of the leaderboard with a blistering seven-under-par opening round.

The 2023 PNG Open champion was on song from the outset, rattling off birdies before an eagle on the par-five 16th sparked a run that had him reach eight under. A late bogey was the only blemish on an otherwise clinical performance.

“It started off with a couple of birdies, a couple more on the trot, and then a big eagle on 16 to sort of get me going,” Barker said.

“I’ve been putting well for a few weeks now, and that allowed me to capitalise on my chances. Overall, pretty solid first round.”

Barker admitted he has been drawing confidence from his recent form.

“With golf, the most recent rounds stick in your head the most. I’ve had a few 15-footers and 10-footers dropping lately, so it’s nice to bring those good thoughts into a round like this. The momentum definitely feels like it’s with me at the moment.”

It was also Barker’s first look at Queanbeyan, but the hilly, undulating layout struck a chord.

“I’d never been here before, but it reminds me of playing junior golf back in Adelaide, tight fairways, fast, slopey greens. It’s a really cool course, but you’ve got to be careful because it can get away from you quickly.”

Related Links:
Queanbeyan Regional Qualifier – Leaderboard

Looking ahead to the final day, Barker said his approach will be simple.

“I’ll just stick to the same routine and give myself the best chance. Obviously, I’d love to get the win, it’s been a little while since I’ve been in the winner’s circle, but more than that, I just want to see myself get a result.”

Hot on his heels are three players at six under: Victorian and NT PGA champion Andrew Martin, Coffs Harbour’s Jack Pountney, and fellow Victorian Nathan Page.

Martin carded two eagles in his round and said recent work with his coach is paying off.

“I’ve just been trying to hit some more cuts, and it feels good at the moment. The greens here are unbelievable, so if you can give yourself chances, you’ll hole a few.”

Pountney’s roller-coaster round featured three eagles and a double bogey but still left him well placed.

“It was all over the shop, but the putter was good. Hopefully, tomorrow I can put together a cleaner scorecard,” he said.

Page, who has already secured his Ford NSW Open berth with a strong showing at Catalina, also kept himself in contention.

“It was just fairways and greens, and I rolled a few putts in. I had six birdies in seven holes through the middle there. I feel pretty good, it’s just about sticking to my processes,” he said.

Both Page and Pountney have already punched their tickets to the Ford NSW Open, but a win tomorrow would still be a significant confidence boost ahead of the summer.

The final group will tee off just after 11:00 am on Tuesday, with live coverage of the action from Queanbeyan broadcast on Kayo Sports.