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.

Ecstatic Hamilton puts Ferrari on pole for Silverstone sprint
Djokovic notches 105th Wimbledon match win, Sinner eases past Brooksby
Osaka beats Kasatkina to make Wimbledon last 16
Hamilton fastest in sole Silverstone practice
Switzerland blank Algeria, reach round of 16 for 4th straight World Cup
