First groups out on The National Golf Club’s Gunnamatta Course were greeted by relatively calm conditions but they would take a turn for the worse an hour into play.

In weather that Tour veteran Matthew Griffin described “as hard as I’ve faced anywhere”, it was Armstrong’s 4-under 68 that led the way, one to the better of Kiwi Mako Thompson (69) and Sydney’s John Lyras (69).

Almost 15 years after winning an under-12s tournament in Scotland by seven strokes, Armstrong dealt best with the worst of the weather, leaning into his creative streak to manage his way around the golf course.

“I’m always a very creative player as it is, and there was a point in time where for probably seven holes, I didn’t pull the yardage book out once,” said Armstrong, who had six birdies and two bogeys on Thursday.

“It also helps that I’ve obviously played over in the UK a little bit too.

“It’s kind of a blessing that we have played over there so that you understand how to deal with these sorts of conditions. It’s more just trusting it. That’s the biggest thing.

“I played so good today. I don’t think a lot of people really understand. I know that this place is pretty open, but because it’s so exposed, everything gets smacked twice as much. I guess it pays dividends to the ball-striking work I’ve been doing.”

A tie for third last start at the Heritage Classic saw Armstrong move inside the all-important top 50 on the Order of Merit and he’s projected to move close to the top 20 if he can maintain his position at the top of the leaderboard through Sunday.

Thompson is seeking to end his rookie season by cementing his place well inside the top 50 to guarantee a full schedule for the 2026/2027 season.

In 47th position when he teed off, Thompson was 5-under through 13 holes before dropping shots at 15 and 18, projected to move up 21 spots if he can hold his place over the next three days.

“I wouldn’t say too much of a release,” Thompson said about any potential release of pressure with such a strong start.

“You’ve still got another round and hopefully two to go. You’ve just got to go out with the same game plan and whatever happens will happen.

“Coming in on that back nine, I think the last five are into the wind, so I knew that was going to be a challenge.

“Happy with the first 13 holes and had a little bit of a buffer to unfortunately drop a couple of shots.”

Admitting that a poor season could have raised the possibility of retirement from tournament golf, it was a potentially important round too for Griffin.

Playing in the final year of his winner’s category, Griffin entered the week in 51st position on the Order of Merit, a 2-under 70 to sit in fourth spot a boost to his hopes of finishing inside the top 50.

“I kind of went into this year going, Look, you either play well this year or that’s probably getting close to time,” Griffin admitted.

“Whilst my results haven’t been where I’d like them, I’ve actually felt like I’ve played a lot of golf really well.

“Keen to obviously keep playing and just managing the schedule around family.”

In the hunt for the HotelPlanner Tour cards for those who finish second and third on the Order of Merit, both Cameron John (73) and James Marchesani (72) are projected to hold onto their positions, Heritage Classic winner Will Florimo (71) edging ahead of Haydn Barron (76) provisionally into fourth position.

The final two rounds will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 503 and Kayo Sports from 3pm-6pm Saturday and 1pm-6pm Sunday.