Three players are deadlocked at the top of the men’s leaderboard after a thrilling opening round of the 2026 Srixon NSW Mid-Amateur Championship at Howlong Golf Resort, while Victorian Geraldine O’Callaghan has grabbed the lead in the women’s field.

Foster Tuncurry’s Rod Moran, Charlestown’s Timothy Meek and James Vidler from Muirfield all carded two-under-par to lead the field after round one.

Moran got his round off to a flying start with an eagle on the 11th, his very first hole of the day.

“I was very happy to get it out of the centre and walk up and tap that one in. It’s a very nice start, it certainly sets the pace,” he said.

Moran admitted he hadn’t been in great form heading into the week, but managed to find his rhythm at just the right time.

“I’ve been in a slump. I actually played pennants last week and got flogged. No expectations, but I ironed out a few things during the week, so I’m very happy.”

A seasoned visitor to Howlong, Moran was also quick to praise the conditions.

“I like firm fairways, give you that little bit of extra run that these young blokes don’t need.”

And with plenty of Mid-Amateur experience under his belt, he knows exactly what the event demands.

“I’ve been playing them for years, I know what to expect and not what to do at nighttime.”

Meek had been fighting the flatstick coming into the week, but found his putting touch right when it counted.

“I hadn’t been hitting it great and hadn’t been sinking any putts, so sinking a couple today was pretty nice,” he said.

He also came agonisingly close to an eagle of his own.

“Knocked it on in two on the first and lipped out for eagle, could have gone in for the same price.”

A veteran of four or five Mid-Amateurs, Meek noted this was his best round to date in the event.

Vidler, playing Howlong for the first time, kept it clean and clinical all day.

James Vidler during round one of the 2026 Srixon NSW Mid-Amateur.

“I played solid all day, just kept it in play and only missed one or two greens, that was enough to work my way into it,” he said.

With two rounds still to play, Vidler was keeping a level head.

“It’s a 54-hole event, we just have to make sure we don’t get ahead of ourselves.”

Not one to sit still, Vidler was already planning a scout of tomorrow’s course after play.

“I’m going to sneak over to Albury now and have a little look. I’ve heard the greens are running really well.”

A shot back in second, Steven Slappendal and Christopher Thomson sit on one under, with Keiran Johnson, Matthew Kirkwood and Andrew Kirkman a further shot back in a three-way tie at even par.

2026 Srixon NSW Mid-Amateur Championship – Leaderboard

Thomson, making his NSW Mid-Amateur debut on a track he’d never set eyes on before today, hung tough to card one under.

“When I was getting it close, I was making the putts, that was about it. I was just trying my best to hang in there,” he said.

“It’s a pretty tight track and keeps you on your toes.”

In the women’s competition, O’Callaghan holds a one-shot lead over Queenslander Dianne Benghamy on four over par, with fellow Victorian Su Ah Kim a further shot back in third at six over.

Geraldine O’Callaghan in action during round one of the Srixon NSW Mid-Amateur.

Round two tees off tomorrow across both Howlong Golf Resort and Albury Commercial Golf Club.