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

Tommy Fleetwood leads the DP World India Championship

Golfer Tommy Fleetwood continues his excellent performance this season, achieving an impressive round of 64 strokes, eight under par, to take the lead at the DP World Championship in India. Fleetwood, a Ryder Cup standout, positions himself with a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the tournament, while his teammate, Rory McIlroy, struggles to stay in the competition. In the last two months, Fleetwood has achieved significant successes, including his victory at the Tour Championship, where he obtained his first PGA Tour title and took home 10 million dollars as FedEx Cup champion. In addition, he was the top scorer in points at the Ryder Cup, where the European team retained the title. Currently ranked number 5 in the world, the Englishman leads what could be the most prestigious golf tournament held in India. His impeccable second round, with eight birdies and no bogeys, catapulted him to 12 under par for the week. Fleetwood’s final birdie, from eight feet on the 9th hole, left him ahead of former Open champions Shane Lowry and Brian Harman, who share 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” and highlighted the importance of patience in the game. Ben Griffin, Ryder Cup rookie, is three strokes back, tied for seventh place at 8 under par. McIlroy, who again chose not to use his driver, had some consecutive bogeys at the beginning of the second half of the course, but recovered with birdies on four of the last six holes, signing a second consecutive round of 69 strokes. He is at 6 under par, along with Viktor Hovland. Upon leaving 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.

I had a strong finish, I managed to get back into the tournament. I need a good start tomorrow.

Rory McIlroy

When asked if he would change his strategy over the weekend to be more aggressive and catch up to Fleetwood, McIlroy responded that he would not, maintaining the same strategy and focusing on improving his second shots and putts.