Lawrie, three others lead after Round 1 in Abu Dhabi

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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Paul Lawrie and three others shot 6-under 66s Thursday to take the early lead in the first round of the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Lawrie, who won the 1999 British Open, was tied with Alvaro Quiros, Stephen Dodd and Daniel Vancsik at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Todd Hamilton, an American who won the 2004 British Open at Troon but lost his PGA TOUR card last year, shot a 68 to stay close to the leaders. Hamilton has an exemption to play on the European Tour through 2013.

"I made some good putts," Hamilton said. "And that's something that I have been doing for the last couple or years. Losing my U.S. card was a blow to my pride, but I didn't play very well last year."

Hamilton said he hopes to get some sponsor invites so he can eventually regain his status.

"I am already in the British Open and because of my play last year have a spot in the Masters," Hamilton said. "And if I can get back into the world's top 50, I would hope to be playing in big events like Bridegstone."

Lee Westwood, the winner of Europe's first Race to Dubai, shot a 69.

"You never play yourself out of a tournament shooting a 69," Westwood said. "And considering how rusty I felt it was a good start."