The US amateur golf champion Danny Lee led the New Zealand effort on a storm-interrupted first day at the Australian masters in Melbourne.
18 year old Lee managed a one under par 71 at Huntingdale to share 15th place, while US-based Tim Wilkinson and a former Masters champion Michael Long had even par 72s.
The leading pair after 5-under 67s are South Africa's Tim Clark and the Australian Scott Hend.
The two-time majors winner, the American John Daly had a 76 in what he described as brutal conditions.
A late afternoon storm interrupted play for three hours and 38 players will have to complete their opening rounds today.
