Windy and wet conditions were no match for Victorian Professional Luke Hickman, who opened his Crowe Horwath Yamba Pro-Am campaign with a 7-under 65 yesterday.

Hickman went bogey free, in his unofficial course record setting round, to hold a five shot lead over Queensland Ryan Haller.

After a standard year on the circuit, Hickman knew it was only a matter of time before his game would turn around.

"My game hasn’t been all that great over recent months, but I knew if I stayed patient it would turn around, and that is exactly what happened today," said Hickman.

"Although the conditions weren’t pleasant with the blustery winds and showers, it was nice to finally see some putts start falling."

"To have only 24 putts today is a vast turn around, and I know if I can continue that kind of form on the greens tomorrow, I will give myself every chance of walking away with a win."

The final round of the Crowe Horwath Yamba Pro-Am will tee off Sunday morning at 7:00am with Hickman due to tee off at 12 noon.