Pitty shot an opening round of two-under par (70) at the Ballarat Golf Club on Tuesday.

The New South Wales product is just three rounds away from a $55,000 pay cheque and an invitation to next year’s Australian PGA Championship, should he hold off a four-strong group tied for second.

Both Adam Demidjuk and Taylor Cooper put together stellar morning rounds of -1, and were joined by Sean Roach and Paul Griffiths after the afternoon session.

Former South Australian amateur player of the year Brad Moules and Tristan Morey are lurking dangerously in third place at even par.

Meanwhile, seven players, including Victoria’s Eliss-Jayne Orr, remain well within striking distance at +2.

Orr is the best played female, ahead of Carly Beck at +5.

Difficult conditions early in the day ended title hopes for nearly half the field, with only seven trainees managing even par or better.

Favourites Deyen Lawson and Richie Gallichan both suffered setbacks, shooting +6 and +5 respectively. 

Tournament director Geoff Stewart said strong winds had played havoc in the first few hours.

“It was very blustery early and it wasn’t predictable for the players,” Stewart said.

“I’m expecting to see some better scores throughout the week and the greens are rolling really smoothly.

“I think we’ll see them really quicken up over the next few days.”

Local hopes Andrew Cartledge and Simon Irving shot +6 and +12 respectively.