A TOTAL of 49 teams embarked on an eight-round battle for the Gilbert and Walker Trophies in the first event of Broadway Golf Club’s Winter League.

Established by former Broadway captains Keith Gilbert (1975) and John Walker (1974), the competition has become a popular fixture in Broadway’s calendar.

The remnants of Storm Austen brought wind gusts of up to 50 mph to make for challenging conditions for players in the opening round.

Undeterred by the challenging conditions, the players lined up at the first tee of the four-ball better-ball competition in blustery conditions.

Guy Madgwick and Geoff Doran played the conditions best to return a score of 45 points and take an early lead at the top of the leaderboard.

And Richard Rouse and Dave Morris finished close behind on 42 points to secure second place on countback.

Teams still have seven rounds to compete for the trophies with round two to take place in early November.

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