Australia's Marcus Fraser, Richard Green and Scott Hend are among a clutch of players sitting one shot off the lead at the European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre in Switzerland.
The trio were among nine players, including US Masters champion Danny Willett, who carded a five-under-par 65 to trail joint leaders Frenchmen Mike Lorenzo-Vera and Gregory Havret and England's Daniel Brooks.
Willett led the way for the five-strong Ryder Cup contingent by shooting a five-under-par 65 in the European Masters first round at Crans-sur-Sierre.
His effort was by far the best of the European Ryder Cup players who are competing at Crans.
Former world No.1 Lee Westwood opened with a two-over 72 while fellow Englishmen Matt Fitzpatrick and Andy Sullivan slumped to a 75 and 74 respectively.
England's Chris Wood, who won the PGA Championship at Wentworth in May, carded a 69.
Holders Europe will be aiming to win the Ryder Cup for the ninth time in 11 editions when they take on United States at Hazeltine, Minnesota from September 30-October 2.
