England’s Tommy Fleetwood produced a near-perfect round of golf to seize the halfway lead at the DP World India Championship 2025, firing a sensational eight-under-par 64 on day two at Delhi Golf Club.
The world number five carded eight birdies with no bogeys, showcasing supreme control and precision off the tee and on the greens. Fleetwood sits one shot clear of former Open champions Shane Lowry and Brian Harman, who trail closely at 11-under-par heading into the weekend.
Fleetwood’s Flawless Round Puts Him in Pole Position
Fleetwood, already a FedEx Cup champion earlier this year, continues to demonstrate elite form as he hunts his eighth DP World Tour title. Speaking after his round, Fleetwood praised his consistency and focus:
“I hit it in the fairway a lot and gave myself some chances with irons. It’s easy to talk about how well you played when you shoot eight under, but this was just a really solid round of golf.”
Fleetwood’s bogey-free 64 included brilliant birdies on four of the final six holes, consolidating his position at 12-under-par overall.
Lowry and Harman Keep Pressure On
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who began the day as the overnight leader, endured a slightly tougher round but kept himself firmly in contention. His 69 featured four birdies and one bogey, leaving him just a single stroke behind Fleetwood.
Meanwhile, American Brian Harman surged into the mix with a superb 65, displaying masterful putting and approach play. The 2023 Open champion looks poised for another strong finish in Asia.
Japan’s rising star Keita Nakajima sits fourth on 10-under-par after rounds of 65 and 69, while England’s Ben Robinson-Thompson and the Netherlands’ Joost Luiten share fifth at nine under.
Rory McIlroy Fights Back After Slow Start
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy endured a mixed front nine before rallying late to remain within striking distance. Starting his round with two birdies and three bogeys, McIlroy found his rhythm over the final stretch, picking up four birdies in the last six holes to close with a 69 for the second consecutive day.
Now at six under, McIlroy trails Fleetwood by six strokes but remains confident of a weekend charge.
“I felt my approach play was pretty scrappy,” McIlroy admitted. “But if I can tidy up my irons and keep the bogeys off the card, I think I can make a move. The course rewards precision, and I feel I’m getting there.”
McIlroy shared a light-hearted moment after his round, shaking hands with Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who was in attendance at the Delhi course.
Other Standout Performances
US Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin also impressed, matching McIlroy’s group with a 68, leaving him at eight under, four shots off the lead.
Home favourite Shubhankar Sharma thrilled local fans with a bogey-free 66, finishing the day at four under — the highest-placed Indian in the field.
Elsewhere, England’s Alex Fitzpatrick posted a tidy 68 to sit at eight under, while Viktor Hovland matched McIlroy at six under after steady rounds of 69 and 69.
Fleetwood Leads Heading Into the Weekend
As play heads into the decisive rounds, Fleetwood’s composure and accuracy make him the player to beat. However, with a chasing pack that includes major champions Lowry, Harman, and McIlroy, the DP World India Championship 2025 is set for a thrilling weekend finish.
Top 10 Leaderboard (After Round 2):
- Tommy Fleetwood (Eng) – 12-under
- Shane Lowry (Ire), Brian Harman (US) – 11-under
- Keita Nakajima (Jpn) – 10-under
- Ben Robinson-Thompson (Eng), Joost Luiten (Ned) – 9-under
- Alex Fitzpatrick (Eng) – 8-under
- Ben Griffin (US), Andy Sullivan (Eng) – 7-under
- Rory McIlroy (NI), Viktor Hovland (Nor) – 6-under
- Luke Donald (Eng) – 5-under
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