The two-time national amateur champion started the day level with the home hope and one stroke ahead of fellow national representative Brad Dowling, and shot a 72 to finish three shots clear.

The trio could yet relive their rivalry next year, with Rhodes keen to return to Mowbray to defend his title.

“It would be my loss if I didn’t come back - it’s been fantastic, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it,” Rhodes said.

“I’m still working - I’ve got some leave at the moment, that’s why I’m able to come down here. 

“I’m a school teacher so it’s dependent on work and when it’s scheduled as to whether I’ll be able to return in the near future, but if it’s possible I’ll certainly be back.”

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Tony Johnson finished four strokes back from Rhodes’ 218, with Sydney’s Lester Peterson rounding out the top five with 223.

Johnson’s 69 was the best round of the tournament – one better than Rhodes’ output on the opening day. 

“The competition was fantastic and the scores reflect that,” Rhodes said.

“The first day there were lots of low scores, the second day it was more challenging and there was a 69 today which reflects the quality of the field here.”

Murray Lethborg won the division 2 title from Tim Russell after a playoff, while Robert Watson took out the overall nett and the 60-64 age group.

John Schafer (55-59), Ross Moore (65-69) and Russell (70-plus) won their respective age group nett divisions.