NSW golfer Blake Windred has carded a seven-fewer than 64 to hold a one-stroke lead from a chasing pack of six after the opening round of the NSW Open at Concord.

Taking advantage of “clean and place” rules following the extreme wet weather on Australia’s east coast, Windred headed 15 players who went lower than Ewan Porter’s official course record of 67.

Lurking at six-under is a group of six golfers, including recent Victorian PGA champion Chris Wood.

The chasing pack also includes veterans Andrew Dodt (Qld) and David Bransdon (Vic), Nathan Barbieri (NSW), Andrew Martin (Qld) and South Korean Chang Gi Lee.

Windred’s round included eight birdies and just the one bogey.

“I’ll take it. Actually, I kind of got lost in the scoring at the end,” he said.

“I made a few birdies in and wasn’t sure what I was. It took me the first six holes to really get in a groove, and then I just made the most of it.

“Making birdie putts from long-range definitely helps with the momentum; you feel like you get a cushion there. Once you get the momentum going, golf becomes pretty easy, to be honest.”

Dodt’s mixed bag included six birdies and two bogeys and an eagle on seven, “which kind of got my round going”, he said.

One shot further back are Victorians James Marchesani and Bryden McPherson, who fired rounds of five under 66 with West Australian and former Nationwide Tour winner Michael Sim.