Pike and Hendry shot 64s in ideal morning conditions, but with the wind failing to get up as expected in the afternoon, a number of challengers emerged, although none could match the six-under rounds.

Pike was happy to take advantage of the still conditions for a huge part of his round.

"We were fortunate because we didn't have any wind for nine or 10 holes and what wind we had seemed like it was helping," Pike said.

"I was five-under through 10 so I got off to a really good start, and then the wind got up and I held on.

"I don't think anyone is going to get a whole day without any wind, so when you get a stretch of holes like I had today you have to make the most of it - and I did."

Hendry also made his score in the perfect conditions early in the morning.

"I was four-under early. I had just picked off the downwind holes going away on the back nine and then just made the one bogey on 16, which is the hardest hole on the course," he said.

Gold Coast's Stuart Bouvier and amateur Brendan Smith joined Peter Wilson, from the morning, posting five-under 65s in the afternoon.

"If it doesn't blow I'm sure the guys could rip it (course) up," Bouvier said.

"Hopefully I get out early and put a score on the board tomorrow in the good conditions."

The field averaged 70.6 and only six holes weren't under par yesterday, with the par 4 seventh and 14th giving up seven eagles between them.

That was balanced by only nine birdies on the par 3 eighth and par 4 16th, which both played back into the wind.

Smith provided one of the highlights of the day, setting up his round with two eagles in three holes, including a two on 14 and impressed with his composure under pressure.

"I hit to six-feet with my driver and knocked in the putt," he said.

"It's the first time I've had two eagles in three holes and I was really confident after that."

Wollongong's club pro Neil Speirs struggled with his swing and shot 74, while local amateurs Lincoln Tighe and Aaron Keevers completed two-over 72s.

The South Coast hope to keep the PGA trophy, Warilla's Brad McIntosh, who has won a Wollongong Open in the past, remains in a contender after returning a 67.

"I didn't set it on fire but I played well enough to put myself in position and we still have three rounds to go," McIntosh said.

"I'm looking forward to the next few days."