Queensland's Adam Crawford is the first round leader of the WA Open Championship after shooting a 5-under 67 at Royal Perth.

Crawford was consistent from tee to green with birdies on all par-5s ensuring he logged a one stroke lead.

Brett Rumford enjoyed a solid start with a 4-under 68 on his home course but believed the wind mitigated his advantage.

"It was very windy early; I don't think I have played this golf course the way the wind was playing this morning," said Rumford, a three time winner on the European Tour and past WA Open champion.

Joining Rumford at 4-under the card was fellow West Australians Scott Strange and Terry Pilkadaris as well as South Australian Adam Bland.

Daniel Nisbet started his professional career with a 3-under 69 and was joined by fellow Queenslander Samuel Eaves and Victorians James McLean, Peter Wilson, Josh Younger and Anthony Brown.

The leading amateurs, at 2-under 70, are Royal Perth Golf Club superintendent Michael Dennis and Royal Perth member Brady Watt, who also won the Keperra Bowl last week.

For Crawford playing well comes as a relief to the 2011 NSW Open Champion who has been struggling with his game over the past few weeks.

"I am looking forward to tomorrow; I have had a rough trot the last sort of month or six weeks so it was nice to have a good round today and it will be nice to get out there tomorrow," he said.

"The course is perfect, it's in great condition, you always seem to get that in Perth when we come over for the WA Open."