Michael Kim leads Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood at DP World Tour season finale

Kim, the FedEx Open de France champion, made three birdies on the front nine before igniting after the turn, firing five birdies in six holes from the tenth to set the early clubhouse target at eight under par in the opening round of the DP World Tour's season finale.

None of the later starters were able to match or beat the American's 64, with Dubai resident Fleetwood his nearest challenger on seven under.

Fleetwood posted a sparkling 65 to maintain the remarkable recent form that has seen him win his first PGA TOUR title to capture the FedExCup, play a key role in Europe's historic away Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black win the DP World India Championship in the past three months.

The Englishman also went close at last week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship but lost out to Aaron Rai in a tense play-off on Sunday.

Race to Dubai Rankings leader McIlroy sits in a tie for third one shot behind Fleetwood alongside Thriston Lawrence and Andy Sullivan.

Making his debut in the event, Michael Kim impressed with his iron play, hitting inside ten feet on 11 of 18 holes to set up numerous birdie opportunities.

He opened with early birdies on the second and fourth, added three in a row on 10–12, and reached seven under with a birdie at the 14th.

Despite a wayward tee-shot at 15, he pulled off a remarkable recovery from the trees to save par, finishing the round with three closing pars.

"Just had everything going. Drove it in the fairway enough times, and I hit my irons really great, and was able to roll some putts in," he said.

"My coach Sean and I worked a quick FaceTime session on Monday night and worked really well.

"Happy to hit that many inside ten feet."

Kim is enjoying travelling the world on the DP World Tour, adding: "Coming to places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, France and India.

"I personally really enjoy the travel. The competition is great, and I thoroughly enjoy my time here."