Richard Sterne shoots a faultless 62 to lead the Omega Dubai Desert Classic round one

Richard Sterne scorched the Majlis course in benign morning conditions with a stunning 10-under 62 to take a one-shot clubhouse lead in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on Thursday.

The South African, who birdied 10 of his first 16 holes, had the chance to beat the course record of 61 – held by compatriot Ernie Els since 2004 – but had to settle for pars in his last two holes.
 Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher was one behind with Tommy Fleetwood and Scott Jamieson snapping on the heels of the leaders at seven-under 65.

Lee Westwood, the top-ranked player in the field, kicked off his 2013 campaign with a tidy 67 – the same as 56-year-old American Mark O’Meara.

Westwood, who has been working hard on his game after moving with his family to Florida, said: “You never know what to expect after a few weeks off and I played nicely.

“There are a few new clubs in the bag and they all behaved. I felt very sharp – no rust there at all and I probably played better than I finished off last year. It’s quite soft out there and if you strike the ball well you can score low.”
Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2013 video – Richard Sterne after his -10 leading round on day 1

Sterne felt the course is playing little bit easier and the rough is not up as it normally is. “If you look at the (crowded) leaderboard, it’s quite clear that this is going to be a low-scoring event. Normally, 17 or 18 under wins here, but this time I imagine the winning score will be somewhere around 21,” said the South African, who finished joint runner-up in the ISPS Handa Wales Open last June.

Two-time major winner and golf in DUBAi ambassador O’Meara, who has played event here since his 2004 victory, said: “I can’t hit the ball like the kids can, but I’m still driving it a reasonable distance and I had high expectations of getting off to a good start.”