KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia – Graeme McDowell and Gavin Green shared the lead at the Saudi International on Thursday by shooting 6-under 64 in the first round.
McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion at Pebble Beach, birdied the final three holes despite strong afternoon winds sweeping the course next to the Red Sea.
Five players were one shot behind at 5 under, including 2016 Open champion Henrik Stenson.
McDowell made four straight birdies from the second to the fifth. The only blemish on the Northern Irishman's card was a double bogey on the par-3 11th.