RAS AL KHAIMAH, United Arab Emirates – Ryan Fox shot 9-under 63 to take a two-stroke lead after the first round of the Ras Al Khaimah Classic, the latest stop on the “Desert Swing” on the DP World Tour on Thursday.
The 211th-ranked New Zealander’s lowest round on the tour contained 10 birdies at Al Hamra Golf Club.
Ricardo Gouveia of Portugal was in outright second place after a 65, which started with five birdies in his opening seven holes.
Full-field scores from the Ras Al Khaimah Classic
Among the nine players in a tie for third place on 6 under was Richard Bland, who lost to Viktor Hovland in a playoff at the Dubai Desert Classic two weeks ago.
It is the fourth straight event to be played in the United Arab Emirates to start 2022.