Danny Lee carded an unspectacular round of 72, one over par, in what were the best conditions of the day.
With the wind picking up around the links-style course, fellow Kiwi Ryan Fox got his round underway in one of the last groups to tee off and was -1 after seven holes on the front nine.
Early clubhouse leader Marcus Fraser of Australia carded an impressive opening round of 63, eight under par.