Michael Kim scorched the back nine to seize a one-shot lead after round one of the 2025 DP World Tour Championship, carding a superb eight-under-par 64 at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
The Open de France champion picked up three birdies on the front nine, then exploded after the turn, firing five birdies in six holes from the tenth to storm to the top of the leaderboard. No afternoon starter could catch him. Dubai resident Tommy Fleetwood came closest, signing for a sparkling 65 to sit one back.
Fleetwood Continues Blistering Form
Fleetwood’s run of career-best form rolled on. In the last three months he has won his first PGA Tour title to secure the FedExCup, starred in Europe’s historic away Ryder Cup win at Bethpage Black and lifted the DP World India Championship
He narrowly missed another title last week, losing a play-off to Aaron Rai in Abu Dhabi. Behind Fleetwood, Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy sits at six under alongside Thriston Lawrence and Andy Sullivan.
Kim’s Irons in Laser-sharp Form
Making his debut at the Tour’s season finale, Kim was relentless with his approach play, hitting inside ten feet on 11 holes. He opened with a tap-in birdie at the second, added another at the fourth, and rolled in a seven-footer at the seventh.
Then came the surge: three straight birdies from the tenth, another at 14, and a remarkable up-and-down at the 15th after a wild tee shot left him in the trees.
Just had everything going. I drove it well, hit my irons great and rolled some nice putts. A quick FaceTime session with my coach Sean on Monday really helped.
Kim went on to add that he is relishing life on the DP World Tour
I personally enjoy the travel, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, France, India. The competition is great and I’m loving my time here.
