Ranked 789th in the world, it appeared Kuest would hold the outright lead after the first day's play, but Moore poured in his fourth birdie in a five-hole stretch on the 17th to pull even.

Moore's birdie attempt on the final hole – which would have tied the course record – slid just right of the cup.

Cam Davis is the highest-placed Australian in the field, tied for 39th after four birdies and a bogey on his way to a three-under 69.

Cam Percy recovered from three bogeys in his outward nine with five birdies in seven holes to finish a shot further back, while Aaron Baddeley and Harrison Endycott ended the day one-over.

Kuest offset a lone bogey with nine birdies, including going out with a six-under-par 30 on the front nine as he attempts to become the first Monday qualifier to win on the PGA Tour since Corey Conners at the 2021 Valero Texas Open.

"It feels good. We've got another round tomorrow so we're going to get ready for that and then just take it one step at a time," Kuest said.

A group of seven players tied for third at seven-under includes Swedish rookie Ludvig Aberg, and Dylan Wu, who carded an albatross – on the par-5 14th – and an eagle during his round.

Collin Morikawa, trying to win on tournament debut for the fifth time in his career, is another shot back at six-under, while Rickie Fowler bogeyed his final two holes to finish tied for 14th with 67.

Defending champion Tony Finau struggled to an even par 72 with four pars and four bogeys.

Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama is tied for 147th after opening with a three-over-par 75, one shot better than playing partner and former World No.1 Justin Thomas, who finished Thursday ahead of only three others in the 156-player field.