Italian Nino Bertasio grabbed an early share of the lead as the Australian PGA Championship began at RACV Royal Pines Resort in Queensland.
The 27 year old Qualifying School graduate grabbed birdies at the 12th and 15th to turn in a two under par 34.
That was enough for a share of top spot alongside Australian Steve Dartnall, who also started on the back nine and picked up shots on the same holes as Bertasio, as well as overcoming a bogey on the 13th with a gain at the 16th.
The pair were one ahead of a group including Ireland’s former amateur star Paul Dunne, who overcame an early double bogey six on the 11th with four birdies and a bogey at the first to be one under through 11 holes.
In very difficult scoring conditions, one over par was enough for a place in the top ten midway through the morning session and America’s Brandt Snedeker – the highest ranked player in the field – was ten over through 15 having run up back-to-back sevens at the 12th and 13th.
