Ernie Els was among the early leaders in the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic today when play finally got under way after thick fog had delayed the start for two and a half hours.
With world number one Tiger Woods among the afternoon starters Els had the chance to throw down the gauntlet on an Emirates course where he has won twice, was second last year and holds the course record with a 61 set 10 years ago.
The South African, returning from a three week break, birdied the short 11th and made an unlikely birdie at the par five 13th to get within one shot of the early pace-setter David Howell.
The Englishman, winner of the title on the Dubai Creek course five years ago, got up and down from sand at the long 10th and collected further birdies at the 13th and 14th.
Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood were both one under after four, but Nick Faldo stood one over after six. Play had been due to commence at 7 am, but the long hold-up meant Woods was among those unlikely to finish their first rounds before nightfall.
Padraig Harrington, Gary Murphy, Paul McGinley, Damien McGrane, Peter Lawrie and Graeme McDowell complete the Irish line-up.