World number two Suzann Pettersen has lived up to her top billing at the women’s Australian Open golf, taking the early clubhouse lead.

The Norwegian had three successive birdies to finish her round in perfect playing conditions at the Victoria Golf Club, signing for a six-under 66.

Those birdies were among a haul of nine, balanced by three bogeys.

Korean Inbee Park is the current world No.1 but not playing in Melbourne and dependent on results, Pettersen could surpass her to take top ranking.

Pettersen said being No.1 wasn’t her goal and that she didn’t measure herself against other female players.

“I don’t really care,” the 32-year-old said.

“I really just want to see how good I can be.

“I know I’m good if I play like I did today and trust my swing and what I’m working on and I just want to see how far I can get.

“I don’t measure myself up against my competitors, I measure my game towards the guys because I think I have the most to learn from them.”

Pettersen finished a shot clear of American Jaclyn Sweeney and Hee Young Park with almost half the field still to tee off.

Australia’s best was Sarah Jane Smith, who finished at four under.

Fellow Queenslander veteran Karrie Webb carded a one-under 71 after a birdie on her final hole.

Smith was happy with her opening round and felt she had started the year in good form, placing sixth in the New Zealand Open earlier this month.

Last year at the Open at Royal Canberra she recorded her season-best finish in a tie for 15th.

“I love playing in Melbourne and I’ve really been looking forward to this week,” the 29-year-old said.

“I was born in Geelong before my family moved to Queensland so it always feels a little bit like home.”