Four-under through seven holes and playing in the fifth-to-last group, Michel fell to three-under on his round with a three-putt bogey at the par-3 13th.

But from that point the Odyssey 2-Ball putter he put in play two days ago caught fire, peeling off five straight birdies to finish for a round of eight-under 64.

That puts Michel two clear of a trio of players, fellow Victorians Matias Sanchez and Cameron John and Kiwi rookie Rhys Thomas all posting rounds of six-under 66 at The National’s Moonah Course.

Michel’s 64 is just one shy of the course record set by Elvis Smylie 12 months ago, the Shepparton product holing putts from 35 feet, 10 feet and 40 feet in a final three-hole flurry.

“I wanted to make a change because I was using a counter-balance putter which is a bit longer and a bit heavier and I just felt like I wanted a shorter putter in the bag to feel the stroke a little bit more,” Michel said.

“Amazing what happens. Put a new putter in the bag and it gets hot. The new putter syndrome.

“Had a first putt with it on Tuesday and it’s been working so far.”

As Michel set the pace up front, an absorbing Order of Merit developed behind him.

Matthew Griffin enhanced his chances of claiming one of the two remaining DP World Tour cards up for grabs with a five-under 67, Brett Coletta matching his score playing in the same group to solidify his current position of second on the Order of Merit.

Third-placed Daniel Gale is somewhat vulnerable after opening with a two-under 70 to sit in a tie for 21st, the trio to play together again in round two on Friday.

“I know they're both playing great golf and I potentially need to win to change things,” conceded Griffin, who played the final four holes in two-under.

“Everyone's playing well and that showed today with the good scores.”

Further down the Order of Merit, the opportunity to earn full playing rights for next season by finishing inside the top 50 is driving many.

New South Welshman Nathan Barbieri is projected to move up from 65th to 56th after an opening round of four-under 68 to be in a share of eighth and is well aware of what is at stake.

“Obviously I haven't had the best season, which is annoying in a way,” said Barbieri.

“I'm on the way back up. I can definitely feel it in my game and today I played really solid.

“I know I have to play well this week but the objective, as always, is to win.”

Future Tour Order of Merit leader Quinn Croker impressed again with a three-under 69 in round one, matched by fellow amateur and Queensland PGA champion Phoenix Campbell.