Tommy Fleetwood surged to the top of the leaderboard at the India Championship, finishing the second round with a remarkable eight-under 64. This performance gives him a one-stroke lead at the prestigious event held at the Delhi Golf Club, marking a significant moment in the tournament’s history as it is the first of its kind in India. Fleetwood’s impressive round brought his total to 12-under par, showcasing his strong form after a successful season.
Over the past two months, Fleetwood has achieved notable successes, including winning the Tour Championship and earning $10 million as the FedEx Cup champion. He also played a crucial role as the top points scorer for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup. His latest performance at the India Championship featured eight birdies without a single bogey, solidifying his position as one of the top golfers in the world, now ranked No. 5.
Challengers and Course Challenges
Fleetwood’s final birdie came on the ninth hole, where he sank an eight-foot putt. This left him ahead of former British Open champions Shane Lowry and Brian Harman, who are tied for second place. Lowry shot a 69, while Harman finished with a 65, both of whom are looking to catch Fleetwood in the coming rounds.
Describing the course, Fleetwood noted the unique challenges posed by the tight, tree-lined fairways of the Delhi Golf Club. “I haven’t hit more than a five-wood,” he said, emphasizing the need for patience in navigating the course. “If you hit it good off the tee you’re going to have some short irons and wedges, and you feel like you’ve always got a chance to get it wrong. It’s such a waiting game.”
Three strokes behind Fleetwood, Ben Griffin, a rookie golfer from the United States, tied for seventh place at eight under par. Griffin’s performance at the Ryder Cup earlier this year has added to his growing reputation on the international stage.
McIlroy’s Strong Finish
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, who has opted not to use his driver, faced challenges but managed to stay competitive. After back-to-back bogeys early in his round, he rallied with birdies on four of his last six holes, finishing with a second consecutive 69 to sit at six under. McIlroy’s effort keeps him within striking distance of the leaders.
As he left the 18th hole, McIlroy shared a moment with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who is a special guest at the tournament. Reflecting on his round, McIlroy stated, “It was a strong finish, got myself sort of back in the tournament. I need a strong start tomorrow.” When questioned about adjusting his strategy, he remained steadfast, saying, “I don’t think so. I think if I’m struggling to hit fairways with my two-iron, I’m not going to hit it with my driver. Same strategy. Just have to hit it a little closer with my second shots and not miss as many putts.”
Australian golfer Jason Scrivener managed to scrape through to the weekend with a second-round 69, bringing his total to two under par. However, his compatriot David Micheluzzi faced a tougher fate after dropping seven shots over the first four holes on Friday, ultimately retiring from the tournament.
The India Championship continues to captivate golf fans globally, with Fleetwood leading the charge as competitors prepare for the weekend rounds. As the stakes rise, both seasoned players and newcomers will seek to make their mark on this historic tournament.
