The plus two handicapper is hoping to again hold the Brett Bischard Memorial Trophy, which he claimed in its inaugural year at the 2009 pro-am.

Brett was well known as a golf professional in Wagga before his sudden death in November 2008.

Organisers of the pro-am dedicated a trophy in Brett's honour to the leading amateur over the two days.

"I knew Brett really well and it was something special to win the trophy last year," Graeme said.

Graeme was entrenched as one of Wagga's top golfers before leaving the city in 1993.

He runs the pro shops at Gundagai and Cootamundra while also playing as an amateur.

Graeme had a practice round at the Country Club last week to prepare for the pro-am, which started yesterday and concludes today.

"I am impressed with the condition the course is in," he said.

The pro-am attracted a quality field, with professionals eyeing $50,000 in prizemoney.