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.

F1 legend Mika Häkkinen turns brand ambassador for Only Legends Drive UAE
Guardiola vows to speak up for victims of global conflicts
Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to reach League Cup final
Top-10 finishers in LIV events to receive word ranking points
Barca advance to Copa Del Rey semis as Albacete’s run ends
