Australians Jessica Speechley and Sarah Kemp were jostling for the lead in the first round of the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Melbourne.

Speechley, a West Australian rookie pro, and Kemp, from Sydney, were in a group of eight players at three under the card.

Included among the pace-setters was defending champion and World No.1 Yani Tseng.

Tseng, who is aiming for a third consecutive Australian Open title, dropped a shot at the first hole but quickly made up for the mistake with four birdies.

Young Australian Sarah Oh briefly shared the lead but had to settle for a two under par round of 71 after a bogey at the closing hole.

Queenslander Karrie Webb, who has won four Open crowns, was having a torrid time, despite the mild and sunny conditions.

Fighting putting issues, Webb slipped badly off the pace and was three over the card playing the homeward nine holes.