After an opening bogey, Holmes played the remaining course nine under with seven birdies and an eagle at the par-fifth.
In the 18-man event, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama was at second with seven-under while US Open winner Dustin Johnson was at third spot with six-under here on Thursday.
Meanwhile, 14-time major champion Tiger Woods carded one-over-par 73 on his return to competitive golf.
Woods, who was out for 15 months, was nine shots behind Holmes, who was a member of the victorious US Ryder Cup team in September. He had four birdies in eight holes but he bogeyed the ninth after a wayward drive and poor chip.
The 40-year-old then played double bogeys on the 16th and 18th that left the World No.898 a stroke over par.
Swedish player Henrik Stenson, American Matt Kuchar and South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen were tied for fourth on five-under.
–IANS
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