Matt Griffin takes early lead at Australian Open

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Early leader Matt Griffin hits his drive on the 11th hole on his way to a seven-under-par 65. Picture: Gregg Porteous. Source: HWT Image Library

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Griffin, 27, fired a blemish-free round of seven-under 65 to jump to lead by two shots over Alistair Presnell.

The course was almost submerged yesterday but a mountain of work overnight left it not only playable, but in an ideal state for scoring with soft greens offering up a barrage of birdies and better.

Griffin was only one under through five holes, but he peeled off six birdies in his next 11 to kick clear.

Five-time champion Greg Norman was among the red numbers early, but three bogeys midway through his second nine were compounded when he was distracted by a clicking camera on the par-five eighth hole, where he eventually signed for a double-bogey seven on his way to a 74.

Fellow tournament drawcard Fred Couples mixed two birdies and two bogeys en route to an even-par 72.

Three of Aussie golf's biggest names are right in the mix after firing 68s.

Victorians Stuart Appleby and Marc Leishman were joined by Queenslander Rod Pampling as the calm morning conditions began to give way to a stronger wind that had been forecast for this afternoon.

American John Daly played his customary entertaning round with a 69 that included three bogeys, while former champion Steve Allan carded a 72.

The afternoon groups are expected to finish their rounds around 5pm.