David Micheluzzi leads a trio of Australians close on the heels of the leading duo in the British Masters at the Belfry in England's Midlands.

England's Paul Waring and France's Jeong weon Ko head the field after carding five-under with South Africa's Thriston Lawrence, who finished fourth in the Open at Royal Troon last month, and Spain's Jorge Campillo a shot behind after matching rounds of 68.

Then come a dozen golfers on three-under including Micheluzzi including pre-tournament favourite Tyrrell Hatton who blew up at his caddie after missing a short par putt on the 18th.

A shot further back are Daniel Gale and Jason Scrivener as 45 golfers took advantage of good conditions on Thursday's opening day of the European Tour event to shoot under par.