Woods shot a 7-under-par 65 to take the lead after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic in the United Arab Emirates. The top-ranked Woods had seven birdies and no bogeys on the par-72 Emirates Golf Club Course.

Germany's Martin Kaymer, who won the Abu Dhabi Championship two weeks ago, is one of several players who finished the first round two strokes behind Woods at 5-under-par 67. Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, Andrew McLardy of South Africa and Thomas Levet of France were also 5-under-par in the first round.

Sergio Garcia of Spain is part of another large group, that includes Ernie Els of South Africa and Henrik Stenson of Sweden, three strokes off the lead at 4-under-par (68).

Woods opened his 2008 season with an eight-stroke win at the Buick Invitational Tournament in San Diego, California. This week's winner in Dubai takes home more than $422,000.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. - By VOA News

Dubai Golf (DG), a government organisation that promotes golf to the world’s golfing market, manages three of Dubai’s most unique and internationally renowned golf courses; Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis and Wadi by Faldo courses, allowing golfers of all levels to enjoy the distinct and different challenges presented by each of the championship standard courses. DG is also a leader in golf related services, operating International Golf & Leisure Services and an online tee time booking facility. DG is about golf and much much more.