South Africa’s Richard Sterne came to within one shot of the 19-year-old course record at the Majlis course of Emirates Golf Club on Thursday to lead the Dubai Desert Classic with a brilliant opening-round 10-under par 62.

Sterne made the most of the ideal playing conditions in the morning.

After making 10 birdies in his first 16 holes, he parred his last two to fall one short of his compatriot Ernie Els’ effort of 61 way back in 1994.

But it helped him take a one-shot lead over Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher, who made two eagles and seven birdies in his 63.

European Tour Race to Dubai leader Scott Jamieson, Chris Doak (both Scotland) and England’s Tommy Fleetwood were tied third at seven-under par 65, while Matteo Manassero was among six players tied for sixth place at 66.

Australian Marcus Fraser was a further shot back at 67.

Former world No.1 Lee Westwood of England felt his decision to shift his residence to Florida was vindicated when he started his 2013 season with a bogey-free round of five-under par 67, although it still left him five shots off the pace.

World No.14 Sergio Garcia was one behind Westwood at 68, while defending champion Rafael Cabrera-Bello started his campaign with a 69.

Sterne, playing his first tournament of the season, made 10 birdies in a flawless round.

“It’s as good a start as I could have hoped for,” said the world No.165, whose career was almost derailed by back injuries a couple of years ago.

“These days, the depth is so much more than it used to be.

“The field is not as strong as it always is here, which I suppose is a good thing, but the guys can still play.

“I hope the back problem is pretty much over. Last year, I played every tournament I wanted to and didn’t have to pull out of any.

“So hopefully this year, same thing will happen, no trouble, really.”

Westwood was delighted with his first competitive round of the season.

“I really enjoyed it. You never know, start of the new year, but I played very nicely. I have a few new clubs in the bag, woods and putter, and they all behaved,” said Westwood, a three-time runner-up in the tournament.

“I felt very sharp, made some nice putts, and I played better today than I finished off the last few tournaments so really pleased with that.”