Brent McEwan continued to make his mark as Otago's top golfer on Saturday, winning the first trial tournament over 36 holes at Roxburgh on Saturday.
McEwan (St Clair) shot a 5-under-par 63 in the morning followed by a 3-under 65 in the afternoon round.
His performance gave him a three-shot win over Michael Smith on 132 with Jamie Anstiss (Otago) another shot back in third.
McEwan had a faultless round in the morning with 14 pars, three birdies and an eagle two on the par-4 sixth hole.
In the afternoon, McEwan carded birdies on four, seven, 14 and 16, finishing with a 65 after a bogey four on the eighth hole, his only blemish of the day.
Smith's two solid rounds of 66 must put a question mark over his move to leave the competitive arena and join the selection panel this year.
Former Queenstown golfer Anstiss has put his hand up as a top contender for the Otago top quintet this year.
With rounds of 67 and 65, Anstiss finished 4-under and well ahead of the next contenders. Otago's professionals performed well in the Roxburgh event, Cody Harper leading the way with rounds of 65 and 64 to finish behind McEwan for the day.
Wanaka professional Garth Domigan came in second on 131 while Dominic Barson was third on 133.
