JORDAN Smith celebrated his maiden event as a member of the European Tour by striking the first tee shot of the 2017 season in Queensland this morning.

The Derry Hill player, who gained playing rights on Europe's top tour after winning the second-tier Challenge Tour's 2016 order of merit, was handed the honour of beginning the 2017 Race To Dubai at the Australian PGA Championship.

The 24 year old Bowood ace successfully parred his opening two holes at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast and then carded his first birdie at the long third.

The former Walker Cup player found the going tough after that, dropping four shots in his next three holes, including a double-bogey six at the sixth.

A further four shots went on the back nine, although he did add his second birdie at the 13th to card an opening-round 78, six over par.

Andrew Dodt held a two-shot lead after play was suspended during round one.

Australian Dodt took advantage of calmer morning conditions to card an impressive round of 65 before the threat of lightning saw play brought to a halt.

The 30-year-old - who recorded eight birdies and a single bogey to reach the clubhouse at seven under par - sits two shots clear of New Zealander Ryan Fox - Smith's playing partner - and American Julian Suri.

England's Paul Waring is among a group of six, which includes former Masters champion Adam Scott.