Australia’s top-ranked player Adam Scott has overcome a slow start to move within a shot of the lead during his opening round in the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath.

Seeking his first Masters title and first win of the year, Scott, who started his round on the 10th, managed just one birdie and one bogey in his first nine holes.

But consecutive birdies on the par five first hole and par four second gave his round momentum, lifting him to two under par after 11 holes.

Tasmania’s Kalem Richardson, who turned professional last year and is ranked No.1474 in the world, shared the lead with NSW’s former Australian Amateur champion Rohan Blizard on three under par, with Blizard having played 15 holes and Richardson 14.

Richardson and Blizard had at one stage shared a two-stroke lead on four under, before each dropping a shot.

Scott was among a large group of players one shot off the pace, also including NSW veteran Peter O’Malley and Queensland’s Rika Batibasaga.

Batibasaga spent time in a mental institution in the United States in 2008 as the stress of trying to establish a golf career pushed him over the edge.

Ireland’s 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell, playing with Scott, was failing to make the most of the benign morning conditions.

His first 11 holes included just one birdie and one bogey to leave him on even par.

Two-time Masters champion Robert Allenby’s form struggles continued, the Victorian on two over par after his first 10 holes.

Defending champion Ian Poulter and 2010 champion Stuart Appleby were not due to begin their opening rounds until 12.10pm (AEDT).