Jarryd Felton, Cameron John lead NSW Open

West Australian Jarryd Felton and Victorian Cameron John have set the early pace at the NSW Open, but hold just a one-shot lead over nine players.

Playing in the morning field, Felton fired a six-under 66 at the Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club on Thursday to continue a strong showing in a tournament where he tied for sixth last year.

"I don't normally make that many birdies, but I made them today so hopefully I can keep it going over the next three days," said Felton.

"I had four birdies in a row. I birdied probably one of the hardest holes today, the par-3 14th and then got on a bit of a run.

"I only missed one green today so I gave myself a lot of chances. My putting has been horrific lately so it's nice to see it turn around," he said Felton, who rolled in a 40 foot birdie putt on the par-5 15th.

Rookie pro John, 19, rolled in a birdie putt on the 18th to join Felton atop the leaderboard after playing through the pain of a bulging disc.

"The putter was pretty much on fire today. I have been feeling good about my game but I was struggling on Monday, I wasn't sure if I was going to play,"he said.

"Given my spot on the Order of Merit, I need to play everything, so I have played my fifth week in a row while injured.

"I want to go to Asian Tour School at the end of the year so it is a big advantage to be top-50, I am currently 42nd, so it's important to play well."

Victorian PGA Champion Aaron Pike, who arrived at the course just 10 minutes before his 7.15am tee time due to a mix up with his alarm, fired five-under the card to be one of nine players clustered in third.

"I had a bit of a rough start today. My phone software updated overnight and my alarm turned itself off. So I only got here with 10 minutes to spare, it wasn't the greatest preparation, it wasn't a good look," he said.

"I got to hit a few balls to warm up and I'm going to buy an alarm tonight."