Twenty-three players took advantage of the mild morning conditions to post sub-par rounds but Shae Wools-Cobb proved the best of the round, posting a bogey-free 5-under 67 to lead as the afternoon field took to the course.

“I holed a great putt on the 1st for par and then the putter just felt great from there on in,” Wools-Cobb said.

“It definitely makes the game feel easier when the putter is hot.”

The afternoon westerly breeze known in Perth as the “Fremantle doctor” made it tough going for the pm field.

Rick Kulacz had full control of his ball in the strong winds, firing a sensational 4-under par 68.

“It was probably a two-club wind which made some of the long holes even tougher,” Kulacz said.

Joining Kulacz in the afternoon was Dale Williamson who sizzled through the front-nine with five birdies to shoot 31 before returning in 1-over par on the back-nine for a total score of 4-under 68.

Kulacz and Williamson weren’t the only ones to turn up the heat with a logjam of seven players sitting tied for second place.

West Aussies Michael Sim and former WA Open champion Daniel Fox were among the contenders at 4-under the card as well as experienced campaigner Troy Moses.

In an event where amateurs have had huge success – Zach Murray claiming the trophy last year – both Connor McKinney and Hayden Hopewell sit one shot back from the leaders and are looking to continue the great run.

The second round of the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series tournament will commence from 6.50am AWST at Cottesloe Golf Club. Keep up to date with live scores through the PGA of Australia app or visit www.pga.org.au.