Day one digest: 2020 DP World Tour Championship, Dubai

Everything you need to know from the first round at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Victor Perez put himself in position to make history and lots of long putts were holed as The Race to Dubai conclusion got off to an exciting start.

Here is everything you need to know from the first round at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Perez on point

France is yet to produce a Race to Dubai winner but Victor Perez left himself well placed to change all that with an opening 67 over the Earth Course. Perez fired six birdies and a solitary bogey to lead by one on five under. “It was just about holing a few good putts, driving the ball well, doing everything fairly well but obviously making a few putts, which you need those type of days,” said Perez, who has been a runner-up twice in Rolex Series events this season. “In the position I'm in, I have nothing to lose. I have everything to gain. So for me it's really a going-for-it mentality that I have to keep for four rounds. Obviously you still have to play proper golf and hit the right shots and sometimes take your medicine, but again, I have really nothing to lose, and it's a matter of making a lot of birdies.”

Big names well placed

Perez is unlikely to be given an easy ride over the next few days, however. Ryder Cup star Matthew Fitzpatrick, 2019 Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Robert MacIntyre and South Africa's Erik van Rooyen are only one shot back, with former Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood, two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer, three-time Rolex Series winner Tyrrell Hatton and Finland's Sami Välimäki on three under. Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed, two-time European Number Ones Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson are among those on two under. Bonne chance, Victor.

MacIntyre's red-hot putter

Robert MacIntyre was by no means the only player holing huge putts on day one, but the conclusion to this early birdie blitz deserves another viewing.

No putter required

Perez didn't even need his short stick at the 14th, proving that fairway woods are not just for having a pop at the par fives.

Debut delight

There are 20 players making their DP World Tour Championship, Dubai debuts this week and several of them impressed on day one. Välimäki was best placed on three under, with Jazz Janewattananond, Garrick Higgo, Sean Crocker and Gavin Green a shot further back.