Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh had more on his mind than just golf when he shot a four-under 68 to take a joint first round lead in the Dubai Desert Classic on Thursday.

For he was still on cloud nine over the birth of his first child, a boy, on January 29.

"I can't explain it, I'm so excited, in fact I had tears in my eyes when I saw my son for the first time," the 38-year-old from Chandigarh said.

"I think you don't realise it until the time you have it. And my wife (Kudrat), when the baby came out of the surgery room, she is doing well, everything was under control."

Singh said that he and his wife had yet to decide on a name for the baby boy and that both should be able to return home from hospital on Friday.

Singh's 68 comprised five birdies against just the one bogey which surprised him after he missed the Qatar Masters last week.

"I am pretty pleased with the round today. Came out here, did a little bit of work yesterday, so that helped.

"Hopefully if it's breezy again tomorrow, I'll make the most out of it in the morning."