New Zealand golfer Danny Lee had little time to savour sharing a courtesy car with Ireland's Padraig Harrington in the weather-affected Abu Dhabi Championship.
The reigning US Amateur champion joined the Harrington, winner of the US Open and twice the British Open, in a vehicle back to their
hotel after poor light halted play.
A severe rain and hailstorm hit the course about 9am local time, causing a two-hour delay in the US$2 million ($3.79 million) event.
Harrington, playing part of his round in the downpour and hailstones, carded a one-under 71 in his first event since finishing joint runner-up in last November's Singapore Open.
He had remained at the course to practise when he met Lee at the courtesy-car desk in the foyer of the clubhouse.
Lee, playing in his first start in the Middle East after accepting an invitation from Abu Dhabi organisers IMG, had not managed to complete his first round and will return early today to play out his closing eight holes after being stopped by poor light.
The 18-year-old ignited his round in sensational manner when he stroked his second shot on the par five second hole to just a foot from the flag stick from 245m.
He had parred the first hole but after recording the eagle he carried on to par the next eight holes to remain at two-under after 10 holes.
Also at two under was fellow New Zealander Michael Campbell, who will resume from the front of 12th green.
The former US Open champion, who is also competing in the UAE capital for the first time, shot four birdies and two bogeys.
Mark Brown, another Abu Dhabi debutant, was one under par through 11 holes.
The Wellington player had eight straight pars before snatching a birdie at the ninth.
"It was a great start considering I haven't played a competitive round since the Australian Open last month," Lee said.
"I feel my game is in very good shape and hardly rusty at all despite the break over Christmas.
"It would nice if I could pick up a couple of birdies when I come back as that would put me right up there heading into my second round."
- NZPA
