Rory McIlroy set a scorching pace to lead the Abu Dhabi Championship after the opening round – but expects Tiger Woods to push him all the way.

The 22-year-old Northern Irishman shot 67 to hit the front with Swede Robert Karlsson while playing partner Woods carded a 70 in his first outing of the year.

McIlroy said: “A 67 is a good way to start 2012 but I didn’t feel like I drove the ball particularly well.

He also saw for himself just how much Woods has improved since they were last at a tournament together.

The former world No.1 cobbled together his worst-ever performance at a Major in missing the cut by six shots at the USPGA Championship in August.

But Woods is back in business and McIlroy said: “Tiger definitely looked very good to me – he’s got the ball under control.”

US Open champion McIlroy struck a superb tee shot at the short seventh to three feet, prompting Woods to yell “great swing” – and the galleries let out a roar when he then chipped in from the fringe of the green at the long eighth.

World No.1 Luke Donald, playing alongside McIlroy and 14-times Major winner Woods in the day’s marquee three-ball, launched his season with a 71.

McIlroy made a rip-roaring start with three birdies in his first four holes. The Holywood hero, who began his round at the 10th, stumbled with bogeys at the 14th and 17th – but four birdies in the last 10 holes provided a satisfying finish.

The day also featured Sergio Garcia’s first hole-in-one on the European Tour at the 186-yard 12th. Garcia matched Donald’s 71, while Lee Westwood shot 72.

But Martin Kaymer, winner in three of the last four years, stumbled to 77 on a course he has previously almost owned.

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