Masters Champion Willett in title defence alongside Tiger Woods
Sheffield's Matt Fitzpatrick is four shots off the pace after the first round of the Dubai Desert Classic.
Playing alongside fellow South Yorkshireman, US Masters Champion Danny Willett, and former world number one Tiger Woods, Fitzpatrick carded a three under par 69.
Willett is a further two shots back after an opening round of 71. Lee Westwood is best placed of the Calendar region's golfers after a four under par 68. Elsewhere York's Simon Dyson is on two under, while Huddersfield's Chris Hanson shot a two over par 74, and Lincolnshire's Nathan Kimsey a 76.
Meanwhile Woods - on the comeback trail after along injury lay-off - faces a battle to make the cut after disastrous five over par 77.Spain's Sergio Garcia leads the tournament on seven under after shooting a superb 65.
It has not been the greatest start to the season for Willett.
He has struggled since winning the famous Green Jacket at Augusta, but he believes a return to top form is just around the corner.