Defending champion Jack Tregaskisjago also remains on course to claim his third successive A-grade title.

The Prospect Vale golfer carded a two-under 69 to join Wynyard’s Craig Hancock in defying the conditions to set the new mark.

The eighth hole reverted back to a par three for the championship to ensure the likelihood of lower scores.

Still the southerly winds gusting over 60km/h off the Tasmanian northern coast on Saturday afternoon made the feat a talking point after the tournament’s first round. 

But it was James Pyke that headed to the clubhouse at the end of the day outright leader after 27 holes.

The Mowbray golfer shot an impressive three-under par to claim a healthy three-stroke lead into Sunday.

Hancock and Launceston Golf Club’s Mitch van Noord holed an even-par 106 to take a share of second spot. 

Tregaskisjago sits a further shot behind along with Tasmania Golf Club player Nathan Gatehouse at one-over par.

Royal Hobart’s Joey Bower leads a close junior section overnight against a chasing Prospect pair.

Bower scored a solid 111 to take a one-shot lead over main rival Ryan Thomas, with clubmate Ronan Filgate placed within reach a further stroke behind.

Organisers believed that despite the adverse weather conditions, the competition to win the title will be fierce among what is a quality field this year.