Henrik Stenson has established a two-shot lead after the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The world number four hit eight birdies during a faultless round of 64 to hold an advantage over a group of four players.
Martin Kaymer, Oliver Fisher, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Marc Warren all recorded scores of 66, while English pair Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood are a shot further adrift in a share of sixth spot.
As many as 17 players produced rounds of 68, including Lee Westwood and Branden Grace - while Ian Poulter is in contention in 27th position.
However, Dustin Johnson and Danny Willett - who both won Major tournaments in 2016 - are well off the pace in 75th and 11th place respectively.