The two time Omega Dubai Desert Classic winner is looking good early on in the season's first World Golf Championships event.
The Northern Irishman fired an eight under par 63 to take a one shot lead over Dustin Johnson.
Meanwhile Justin Thomas and Matt Kuchar are two strokes back on seven under par.
Meanwhile 14-time major winner Tiger Woods is on level par, eight shots off the pace.
Australia reach World Cup knockouts after 0-0 with Paraguay, Turkey beat USA
Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey and physical 0-0 draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.
Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through
The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.
Beccacece hails Ecuador's biggest World Cup victory
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said all Ecuadoreans have a lot to celebrate on Thursday after the country's biggest World Cup result ever, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage.
New Zealand openers break record against England
New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.
MENA Golf Tour confirms exemption categories for 2026/27 season
The MENA Golf Tour has confirmed the full list of exemption categories for the 2026/27 season, setting out how players can earn their place on a Tour that is opening up more routes to competition than ever before.
The UAE has expanded its visa on arrival scheme to nationals of Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Kenya, and South Africa.
Dubai will soon have the "world's first AI designed park" as part of a host of innovative projects planned for the city, announced His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister.
The Ministry of Education has launched a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency of operations and services, powered by artificial intelligence.
