Ian Poulter shoots 65 to share 1-shot lead after 1st round at Abu Dhabi Championship

more images

Poulter shares lead after 1st round in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Ian Poulter of England shot a 7-under 65 Thursday to share a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Poulter made seven birdies, including a 70-foot putt at the last that if it hadn’t gone in “would have gone 10 foot past,” he said.

Also at 65 were Richard Bland of England and Keith Horne of South Africa.

Sergio Garcia of Spain and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shot 66 to follow in a group of nine.

Todd Hamilton, the 2004 British Open champion, shot a 68. Defending European money list winner Lee Westwood had a 69.