Tommy Fleetwood made a remarkable start to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship by carding a course record-equalling 62 in the first round, taking the lead in the DP World Tour Play-Offs. The 33-year-old golfer from Southport, a two-time winner of the tournament in 2017 and 2018, shot ten under par with eight birdies and an eagle to lead the field. Fleetwood’s impressive performance put him one stroke ahead of former Ryder Cup teammate Thorbjørn Olesen and American Johannes Veerman.
Starting the round with four under after just three holes, Fleetwood continued to dominate with six more gains throughout the day. He finished with a bogey-free round, sinking a final birdie on the last hole to secure the top position. In addition to his pursuit of another tournament victory, Fleetwood is also eyeing a second Race to Dubai title, starting the week in fifth place in the season-long ranking. A strong showing in Abu Dhabi could help him catch current leader Rory McIlroy at the upcoming DP World Tour Championship.
Joining Fleetwood at the leaderboard is Tyrrell Hatton, sharing fourth place at eight under with Laurie Canter, Paul Waring, and Francesco Laporta. Meanwhile, McIlroy posted a respectable five-under 67 to sit in a share of 18th place in the tournament. The Northern Irishman is chasing his sixth Race to Dubai title, needing to finish more than 2,000 rankings points ahead of his closest competitor, Thriston Lawrence from South Africa. Lawrence also carded a 67 to keep the pressure on McIlroy in the overall standings.
Reflecting on his exceptional start, Fleetwood expressed his satisfaction with his performance, noting his successful putting and pace control on the greens. Despite not feeling perfect with his swing early on, he managed to read the greens well and hole crucial putts to propel him to the top of the leaderboard. Fleetwood praised the high standard of golf displayed by the competitors in the low-scoring conditions at Yas Links, emphasizing the incredible talent on display during the first round of the championship.
As the tournament progresses, players like Fleetwood, Hatton, and McIlroy will continue to battle for the top positions in both the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Race to Dubai rankings. With strong contenders like Olesen, Veerman, and Lawrence in the mix, the competition promises to be fierce in the following rounds. Golf enthusiasts can follow all the first-round scores and updates on the tournament by clicking on the link provided, staying informed about the latest developments in the DP World Tour Play-Offs. The excitement and drama of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship are set to continue, with the top golfers showcasing their skills and determination on the course.
