After day one of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, Alex Noren holds sole possession of first place. The Swede avoided a blemish on his scorecard as he began the front nine with four birdies and five pars, finishing with a 6-under 66.
Brett Rumford, Trevor Fisher Jr., Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Peter Hanson are knotted in second as each turned in 5 under.
Rory McIlroy, the Official World Golf Ranking’s No. 2 player, and Ernie Els are among eight players tied for sixth at 4 under. McIlroy suffered a bogey on the second hole but bounced back with birdies on three, five and six.