He was forced off the road, and his vehicle was scratched.

But Stenson knew it could have been much worse.

“It could have been a nasty one,” he said.

“I managed to avoid it, and scratch the car.

“I missed the road on the way from the Emirates Palace and took a detour, and not far away a lorry turned straight in front of me. I had to hit the brakes but just avoided going into the side of it.

“I got here 45 minutes ahead of my tee time instead of an hour and 45 minutes. It’s been an eventful day – but it’s a good start to be six under after being 19 under for 72 holes last year.”

The 30-year-old’s final score could have perhaps been higher, but he could only make par on his last three holes.

He was three shots off leader Phillip Archer, who carded a nine-under-par 63 - making 10 birdies in his opening round.

The 34-year-old reported some alterations to his game had helped him to his impressive score.

He said: “I made some big changes after just keeping the card, especially with the putting stroke.

“I moved 138 spots in the putting last year, so no surprises that the improvement was there.

“Things have been good, working with the coach for the last five years. It’s coming to fruition. Also working on the mental side, I am a lot better on the course.

“I holed a couple of good 30-footers, and once you do that you get confident.”

South African Retief Goosen made good progress in the opening round – carding a six-under-par 66 and joining Stenson and Nick Dougherty in second place.

Last season’s European Tour Order of Merit winner Padraig Harrington shot a four under 68, while defending champion Chris DiMarco made a solid start - carding a three-under-par 69 alongside Colin Montgomerie.

There was slight disappointment for Paul Casey, who closed at just one under.