Tommy Fleetwood’s victory at the DP World India Championship was more than just a return to winning ways — it was deeply personal. The Englishman clinched his first DP World Tour title since the 2024 Dubai Invitational, ending a 638-day wait, and his maiden win on Indian soil at the historic Delhi Golf Club (DGC).
This win feels great. For all the good that’s happened this year, there were a few disappointments in how my DP World Tour season went. So, another win feels great.
A Win Shared with His Son
What made the triumph extra special was the presence of his son, Frankie — watching his father lift a trophy for the first time. Fleetwood revealed that the moment had been on his mind all week.
“Last week at home, You’ve never won a tournament when I’ve been there to run on to the 18th green. I wrote that down. All day today, I had that in my head — to make that moment happen. It means so much to me.
And when it finally happened, father and son shared a memory that will outlast the scorecard.
In Command All the Way
Three weeks after starring in Team Europe’s historic Ryder Cup win on American soil, Fleetwood produced another commanding performance.
He fired four consecutive birdies mid-round to seize control and held off Japan’s Keita Nakajima, finishing at 22-under, two shots clear.
I played amazing. Down the stretch I holed some great mid-range putts. That one on 11 was big, and I just managed to keep it going on the back nine.
He also praised his playing partner. “Keita played amazing. The par he made on 16 and the putt on 17 — he was a pleasure to play against today.”
Loving the Delhi Experience
Fleetwood was effusive in his praise for India’s fans and the DGC course.
I think everyone was excited about this event. I’ve enjoyed everything — the challenge of the course, the fans, the hospitality. Everyone has been so kind to me and my family.
He admitted that he didn’t need an excuse to return. “To have a trophy to defend is a very good reason — even though I didn’t need one. The fans have been great and so supportive.”
On the DGC Test and What Lies Ahead
The DGC’s unique, strategic layout demanded precision — something Fleetwood embraced. “I felt the course suited me,” he said. “It was about being strategic, using short to mid-irons well. I struggled a bit with my swing on Thursday, but I worked on it that night and came back strong on Friday.”
I’ve still got two tournaments left this season, and I want to finish well. My major performances and DP World Tour ranking disappointed me this year — those are things I’ll focus on next year.
Nakajima and Hovland Impressed by Indian Debut
Runner-up Keita Nakajima, who continued his superb record in India with one win and two second-place finishes in three starts, said, “It was a great week. I had a bogey-free weekend and played with Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood. That was a special moment — I’m honoured to play in such a strong field.”
Viktor Hovland, who finished T6, was equally impressed. “It was a lot of fun. I played fairly solid and made a few nice up-and-downs. India is definitely one of my favourite places now — I love it.”
Fleetwood’s Indian Summer
For Fleetwood, the inaugural DP World India Championship offered more than silverware — it delivered closure, joy, and a moment shared with family.
It was such an enjoyable round. These are the days we’ll look back on. I just happened to play great, and it feels really, really good.
