Queensland’s Peter Senior remains on target to become the oldest-ever winner of the Australian Open.

The 53-year old Senior is just one shot from the lead after nine holes of the weather affected 97th staging of the event being played at The Lakes course in Sydney.

More than three hours was lost to play due to high winds and before the leading groups, including Senior, had teed off.

Fellow Australian Peter Thomson holds the record as the oldest winner of the Australia’s prestigious tournament being aged 43 years when he defeated David Graham to win the 1972 Australian Open at Kooyonga in South Africa.

It was Thomson’s third Australian Open success after earlier wins in 1951 and 1967.

Thomson, who also captured five Open Championship wins, was rewarded by his victory in receiving a telegram from then Prime Minister of Australia, Robert Menzies that read:  “Delighted by your brilliant victory.  Warm Regards, Robert Menzies.”

Senior is also no stranger to lifting the coveted Stonehaven Trophy winning the Australian Open at Kingston Heath in Melbourne in 1989.

Senior also has his youngest child and son, Mitchell on the bag caddying for his this week.

And here’s a stat for you.   Mitchell wasn’t born when Senior won the Australian Open 23 years ago.

Peter Senior and son, Mitchell during this week’s Emirates Australian Open. (Photo – Anthony Powter/www.golffile.ie)