Dustin Johnson opened with a 5-under 65 in Saudi Arabia, leaving him three strokes off the pace of Matteo Manassero after day one of the Saudi International.
Johnson, who is seeking his third win in four years, headlines a field of high-profile stars who were paid appearance fees to tee it up at the Asian Tour’s season-opener.
The world No. 5 was in a logjam of six players tied for seventh place, which also included Joaquin Niemann and Matthew Wolff.
Manassero turned on 29 with six birdies, and added two more scores on Nos. 11 and 12. He signed for a bogey-free round of 62.
The 28-year-old Italian was two shots clear of five players, including Bubba Watson (64) and Harold Varner III (64).
Cameron Smith, Patrick Reed and Tommy Fleetwood were among those at 66, with Xander Schauffele and Phil Mickelson a stroke further back.
Bryson DeChambeau opened with a 3-over 73.
