Henrik Stenson was at his blistering best as he shot an immaculate 8-under-par 64 to lead after round one of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The Swede, who is the holder of the course record in Abu Dhabi with a 62 he shot in 2006, rattled off eight birdies on his way to opening up a two-stroke lead over Martin Kaymer, Oliver Fisher, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Marc Warren.
Hot start
Stenson needs a win in Abu Dhabi to complete the set of Middle East Swing events and was delighted to get his year off to a hot start.
“It must be the lack of practice that does it,” joked the World No.4 Stenson, after the opening round of his 2017 campaign. “I’m delighted with that score. I think I scored a bit better than I played, but I kept it under control somewhat and hit a couple of close iron shots and made the putts.”
Kaymer in form
Three-time Abu Dhabi champion Martin Kaymer, who last won the event in 2011, was also pleased to hit the ground running.
“Yeah, it’s a very nice start,” said Kaymer. “You never know what you’re going to get during the first tournament after such a long break, especially if you only practiced a little bit. Your expectations are high, but you don’t know how much you get out of your practice in your very first tournament.”
Dustin Johnson slow out of the gates
Meanwhile, World No. 3 Dustin Johnson, who is grouped with Stenson for the opening two rounds, got off to a solid if unspectacular start on his Middle East debut, matching compatriot and defending champion Rickie Fowler’s level-par 72 on The National Course.
UAE-based Indian Rayhan Thomas, one of two amateurs in the field, posted a solid level-par round to give the 17-year-old a chance of making the cut.
