Victorian Kevin Conlong leads the South Pacific Export Papua New Guinea Open after round one at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club.

Firing a 6-under 66 in the opening round, Conlong holds a one shot lead over Daniel Fox and Kris Mueck who are tie for second.

A bogey on the opening hole didn’t faze Conlong who quickly rattled off three birdies on the back nine to make the turn in 2-under.

Four more birdies on the front, including one at the last, was good enough for a 66 and a one shot lead.

Daniel Nisbet, winner of last week’s Morobe Open, is well in contention after a 69 and looking to replicate the performance of Michael Wright in 2009, when he won the Morobe Open and PNG back-to-back.

Conlong admits his game is getting closer to where it needs to be.

"I played pretty solid last week in Lae, which certainly boosted my confidence heading into today’s opening round of the PNG Open," said Conlong.

"Conditions were perfect out there today and I guess that’s the reason why we have so many player’s under par. If I continue to play my own game and hole a few putts I should be in a good position late on Sunday afternoon."

Round two will get underway Friday morning at 6:54am, with Conlong due to tee of at 12:03pm.