It has almost been a decade since anyone else has held the shield following nine straight victories by Gunnedah’s Luke Streater who finished 22nd yesterday, although Lockwood and Brennan wouldn’t be denied.

The pair are both off scratch and both scored 75 on the tough course, with Tom Gill, Steven Pino, Michael Bird and Darren Hensby making up the top five.

Brennan has been on the rise for the past few years  and came through the NIAS program, acing several junior competitions on the way but now the recently-turned 18- year-old is more than ready to take on the senior circuit, and couldn’t have picked a better time to win at the Longyard.

The Walcha native will leave the sand greens of Walcha over the next few weeks to take up a trainee position at the Longyard under profesional Steve Myers and, after being granted a professional traineeship by the PGA, the young talent is keen to start swinging.

“It is definitely up there for wins in the country,” Brennan said. “I left a few out there but drove really well.” 

A few three-putts kept him from making a clean break through the round, although he held his nerve to finish the job at hand, while Lockwood also finished well down the back to take a share of the lead.

“It was a bit windy and wet in places, especially down the back,” Brennan said.

The traineeship at the Longyard could be the beginning of a realisation of a dream for the Walcha product.

“I played my first comp game in an ambrose when I was six.

“I have always wanted to be a golfer.” 

The new job will be part time to begin with, giving more time for Brennan to get on course and hone his skills with bigger tournaments on the horizon.

“The shifts are three hours to begin with so I can play a round every day in the morning before work.” 

“I think I can improve with that much time on the course,” he said.

“I can’t wait.” 

Gunnedah’s Sam Doubleday was leading the B Grade down the back nine but was caught late by Michael King, who took the win on a countback after both returned nett scores of 75.