Dale Clarke leaves Magenta Shores today. Image: GA

Defending champion Dale Clarke is a perfect start to his attempt to create back-to-back titles by taking the lead in the Australian Mid Amateur Championship, while Canberra's Adber Douglas leads the women's championship.

Clarke shot an even-par 72 at Magenta Shores in New South Wales to lead the 54-hole tournament by a shot from Christopher Campbell from New South Wales and Adam Hawkins from Queensland at 73.

The 34-year-old member of Sherwood Park has six birds, seven pars, four bogeys and a double bogey tested in test conditions.

Douglas, who plays from Bonville Resort, carded an opening 83 to lead by a shot from Jude Tarran and Olivia Wilson (both NSW).

The 37-year-old from Canberra has only played golf for six years, starting when she won a Royal Canberra membership at a charity event and got into a relationship with club professional Daniel Dosen.

The championships will continue tomorrow at Magenta Shores.