McFadden dominated the Midlands Golf Club course, with his seven-under round leaving him two strokes clear of David Armstrong, Peter Senior and Craig Warren, who are all tied for second.

Steven Aisbett is fifth, a shot further behind.

Among the other drawcard golfers, Peter O’Malley shot 69 (T6), Michael Harwood 70 (T9), Rodger Davis 76 (T31) and Terry Price 79 (T45).

The afternoon session of golfers thrived in the favourable conditions, with many carding rounds well under par.

PGA Legends Tour co-ordinator Andy Rogers told The Courier the field of golfers that had been assembled for the first staging of the Victorian Senior Masters is a strong one.

He said aside from big names Ian Baker-Finch and Peter Fowler, most of the high-profile players had made themselves available for the $30,000 event.

Fowler entered for the tournament, but withdrew due to injury.

“Hopefully the club are very happy with what they’ve got,” Rogers said.

“We’ve picked up Peter Senior, which is always a great addition to any field, especially as he’s retired from full tour golf because his body just won’t take it.

“He’s not going to play a lot, so to get him to come and play here is great.”

Rogers was full of praise for Midlands Golf Club, which is hosting a PGA Legends Tour event for the first time in 2017.

“The beauty of coming to regional Australia is that the clubs and the towns want you there so they pull out all the stops to get (the event) good,” Rogers said.

“You really feel wanted out here.”

Rogers said there had been a good turnout of spectators on Friday, with many following groups that contained the well-known players like Senior and Davis.

A special dinner was held at the club on Friday night ahead of Saturday’s second and final round of competition.

Golfers in the morning session will tee off from 7.30am before the afternoon players begin their round at 12.30pm.

Entry to the course is free for spectators.