Kamran Jebreili/Associated Press
Sergio Garcia sits atop the leaderboard at the 2017 Omega Dubai Desert Classic after carding a seven-under 65 in windy conditions on Thursday.
Felipe Aguilar and George Coetzee sit one shot behind on 66 while Ian Poulter is one of four players on five under, with Graeme McDowell and Henrik Stenson among those another shot further back.
Six golfers were unable to complete their rounds due to bad light and will need to play the last two holes on Friday morning.
Here is the top of the leaderboard as things stand after the first day:
| Omega Dubai Desert Classic 2017: Thursday Leaderboard | |||
| Position | Player | Thursday | To Par |
| 1 | Sergio Garcia | 65 | -7 |
| T2 | Felipe Aguilar | 66 | -6 |
| T2 | George Coetzee | 66 | -6 |
| T4 | Nino Bertasio | 67 | -5 |
| T4 | Ian Poulter | 67 | -5 |
| T4 | David Lipsky | 67 | -5 |
| T4 | Nacho Elvira | 67 | -5 |
| T8 | Jorge Campillo | 68 | -4 |
| T8 | Graeme McDowell | 68 | -4 |
| T8 | Henrik Stenson | 68 | -4 |
| European Tour | |||
The full leaderboard can be found at the European Tour's official website.