Hero Dubai Desert Classic - day one digest

Francesco Molinari's birdie burst sends him clear, players chase the ace and Marcel Siem makes golf look easy.

Everything you need to know from the first round at Emirates Golf Club.

Molinari shines in Dubai

Francesco Molinari was in stunning form to earn a two-shot first-round lead in breezy conditions at the first Rolex Series event of the season. The Italian produced two bursts of scoring at the start and end of his round to overhaul clubhouse leader Mikael Lindberg and send a message to the rest of the field at seven under. The 147th Open champion, who birdied four of his first five holes before closing with three straight gains, said: "Not super unexpected but I wasn't expecting a score like that. Putter was the biggest difference to be honest. Made some nice putts. Kept the round going in the middle where played a couple of iffy holes and made some good pars. Obviously very, very pleased with the start."

Micheluzzi's magic

David Micheluzzi produced an amazing eagle at the par-five tenth after landing in an awkward spot just off the green.

You think that was impressive, this approach at the 12th is just sensational!

Not as easy as it Siem-s

Marcel Siem delivered a flopping masterclass for an unlikely birdie at the 16th.

Lindberg and JC Ritchie chase the ace

Lindberg was inches from the first ace of the week and a brand new BMW 7 Series, BMW 740i M Sport, with this tee-shot at the par-three 15th. The Swede is two adrift of leader Molinari at five under.

South African JC Ritchie closed the gap to within one of the leading Italian when he produced this beauty at the fourth. A double bogey at the sixth saw him slip three back from Molinari.

500 up for Fisher

Ross Fisher teed up at his 500th DP World Tour event at Emirates Golf Club. In a career spanning over 20 years, Fisher has won on five occasions, been a Ryder Cup winner and carded a course record 61 on the Old Course at St Andrews. He completed his first round in a level-par 72 here in Dubai. You can read more on his landmark appearance here. Congrats, Ross!