David Bransdon set a red-hot pace at the inaugural Heritage Classic in Melbourne on Thursday when he shot a course-record 64 to lead the Australasian PGA event by three shots.

The Victorian-based Bransdon signed for a sizzling first-round score of eight-under to hold a solid advantage over New Zealand’s Michael Hendry, Victorian Leighton Lyle, two-time Australian Masters champion Brad Hughes and Ryan Lynch.

Lynch is the touring professional at the venue for the tournament, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Heritage Golf and Country Club in the north-east of the city.

Bransdon was on track to go a lot lower when he sprinted to five-under through six holes, but he was satisfied with his round that included eagles on the 4th and 15th.

“This is one of the better courses that we play conditions-wise and there are not too many Jack Nicklaus golf courses in Australia,” said 39-year-old Bransdon.

“I didn’t think this golf course would yield that score, because it’s actually hard to hit golf shots near the hole with the greens firm and fast.

“But I will certainly take it.”

A stroke further behind the group of four tied for second are New South Welshmen Brent McCullough and Aaron Townsend, who both shot four-under.

Rounding out the top 10 another shot back is a group of 10 players including Jason Norris, Josh Geary, Kurt Barnes and Gareth Paddison.