Young American star Rickie Fowler has shot a blistering eight-under-par 63 to seize the clubhouse lead in the Australian PGA Championship opening round.

World No.43 Fowler produced a dazzling back nine with six birdies on the Royal Pines course to ensure he led by two shots from little-known Gold Coast pro Matthew Ballard.

Ballard’s fine round was boosted by a run of four straight birdies.

US-based Australian Nathan Green shot a 66 to be in third place.

Victorian Jason Norris, who was out of the game for two months earlier this year with viral meningitis, finished on four-under to be sharing fourth with South Korea’s Kwon Sung-yeol.

The 24-year-old Fowler, the second-highest ranked player in the field, made a sedate start before ripping up the Royal Pines course to finish with eight birdies.

“I’ll take eight-under every day,” Fowler said.

“You never know what you’re going to get … if I can get myself into a position where I have a chance come Sunday then that’s where I want to be.”

Fellow US tour star Marc Leishman of Victoria finished his opening round tied 10th with a two-under 69.

Masters champion Adam Scott, playing his first tournament on Australian soil since his win at Augusta National in April, was just beginning his round among the afternoon starters.

The world No.2, chasing his first Australian PGA Championship crown, was even after two holes.