DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Richard Sterne took a one-stroke lead at the Dubai Desert Classic with an 8-under 64 on Thursday in the first round.
The South African rolled in his ninth birdie of the day – on his ninth and final hole – to move ahead of American Kurt Kitayama (65) at the Emirates Golf Club.
Sergio Garcia and Justin Harding (66) were tied for third.
The 39-year-old Sterne, who has battled an array of injuries in his career, last won on the European Tour nearly eight years ago. His only blemish on Thursday was a bogey on the sixth.