Fleetwood leads in India: McIlroy rallies, high-level golf in Delhi

Tommy Fleetwood Leads DP World India Championship

Golfer Tommy Fleetwood continues his excellent performance this season, achieving an impressive round of 64 strokes (-8) to take the lead at the DP World India Championship. His outstanding performance positions him with a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the tournament, while his Ryder Cup teammate, Rory McIlroy, struggled to stay in the competition. In the last two months, Fleetwood has secured his first PGA Tour title by winning the Tour Championship, taking home a $10 million prize as FedEx Cup champion. In addition, he was the top point scorer at the Ryder Cup, where the European team retained the title. Currently, English, which ranks fifth in the world, possibly leads the most prestigious golf tournament ever held in India. Fleetwood achieved eight birdies in an impeccable second round, without bogeys, bringing him to a total of 12 under par for the week. His final birdie, from a distance of 8 feet on the 9th hole, gave him the lead over former Open champions Shane Lowry (69) and Brian Harman (65), who are tied for second place.

The course at the Delhi Golf Club, with its trees and narrow fairways, presents a unique challenge for all of us.

Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood described the course as a “unique challenge for everyone”.

I haven’t used more than a 5-wood. It’s a test of patience… If you hit well from the tee, you’ll have short irons and wedges, and you feel like you can always make a mistake. It’s a waiting game.

Tommy Fleetwood

Ben Griffin, a rookie on the U.S. Ryder Cup team, is three strokes back, tied for seventh place with a total of 8 under par. McIlroy, who again chose not to use his driver, had consecutive bogeys at the start of his second round, but reacted with birdies on four of the last six holes, achieving a second consecutive round of 69 strokes. He is with a total of 6 under par, along with Viktor Hovland (67), a member of the European team. Upon finishing the 18th hole at the Delhi Golf Club, McIlroy, world number 2, took off his cap and greeted Sachin Tendulkar, Indian cricket legend and special guest of the tournament, at the back of the green.

It was a strong finish, I got back into the tournament. I need a good start tomorrow.

Rory McIlroy

When asked if he would change his strategy off the tee to be more aggressive and try to catch Fleetwood over the weekend, McIlroy replied:

I don’t think so. If I’m struggling to hit the fairways with my 2-iron, I’m not going to use the driver.

Rory McIlroy

The same strategy. I just have to hit a little closer with my second shots and not miss so many putts.

Rory McIlroy