Sweden’s Henrik Stenson stormed out of the blocks at the HSBC Champions to set the pace along with American Anthony Kim and Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng at the season-opening event in Shanghai.
The Champions of Champions event marks the start of the 2009 European Tour season and the new era of the money-spinning Race to Dubai, which was highlighted by the calibre of players at the top of the first round leaderboard at Sheshan International Golf Club.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson, world number three Sergio Garcia and France’s Gregory Bourdy sit just a shot of the early pace at three under, with newly-crowned European number one Robert Karlsson and The Open Championship winner Padraig Harrington headlining a large contingent at two-under.
After dropping a shot at his first hole of the opening round, Stenson picked up five shots over his next four holes – highlighted by an eagle three at the second – to take his place at the top of the leaderboard alongside world number eight Kim and 2007 Volvo Masters of Asia winner Marksaeng at four-under-par.
Ryder Cup winner Kim, who has taken up an Affiliate Membership of The European Tour in 2009, also eagled the 550-yard second after playing his approach shot to within six feet before reeling off back-to-back birdies at six and seven.
World number two Mickelson also eagled the second after converting from 10 feet, while Garcia, fresh from his wins at the Players’ Championship and October’s Castello Masters, reached the turn in a steady 34 before heading for home with a birdie three at the 10th.
