Defending champion Adam Scott grabbed a share of the overnight lead with American Craig Stadler after the pair shot eight-under-par 64s in the opening round of the Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth.
Scott finished the day strongly, with birdies on the last three holes to match Stadler's efforts at The Vines Resort and Country Club course from earlier in the day.
Korea's leading player KJ Choi was just one off the pace in third place after shooting a seven-under-par 65.
Lurking in the wings in equal fourth were Australians Richard Green and Tony Carolan and France's Jean Van de Velde, who all carded a six-under-par 66.
South African Retief Goosen carded an even 72 while former US Masters champion Fred Couples went one better at 71, despite three bogeys on the back nine.
Scotland's Colin Montgomerie finished the round two-under on 70.
Peter Lawrie and Gary Murphy shot rounds of 73 to finish on one-over-par while Damien McGrane finished one shot further back.
