Zunic was just one of three professionals to shoot sub-par rounds on the opening day of the $37,000 Pro-Am as the windy conditions made life tough at Wagga Country Club.

Zunic, winner of the 2015 New Zealand Open, shot a four under par round of 68 to be two clear of Sydney’s Ben Clementson.

Former US tour player James Nitties is poised to strike in third place after one under par round of 71.

A group of seven players sit on even par, while big name pair Jarrod Lyle and Peter O’Malley face a tough task after opening rounds of 76 and 79 respectively.

“It was tough,” Lyle said after finishing his round.

“The greens started to firm up and they were getting a little bit bouncy towards the end of the day as well. It was tough conditions, but still no excuse for a 76.”

Lyle said not having played much in the lead up to the Pro-Am came back to bite him.

“I think not seeing the course probably hurt a bit,” Lyle said.

“We had a good day, hit a few good shots, I was just a bit rusty at times. 

“I struggled with my chipping and putting today. I didn’t really get the pace of the greens all that well. I felt like I hit a lot of good putts and came up short, then I felt I hit it a little bit harder and it goes a fair way past.

“I just couldn’t quite get it right, it was a frustrating day.”

Defending champion Dale Brandt-Richards is among those at even par.