NEW DELHI – Tommy Fleetwood continued his robust season on Friday by taking pictures an 8-under 64 to take a one-shot lead on the midway mark of the DP World India Championship as his Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy battled to remain.
Over the previous two months, Fleetwood gained his first PGA Tour title on the Tour Championship, incomes $10 million as FedEx Cup champion within the course of and changing into Workforce Europe’s main scorer on the Ryder Cup.
The Briton, who has now climbed to No. 5 on the planet rankings, made eight birdies in a bogey-free second spherical to maneuver to 12 underneath par for the week and lead what is maybe probably the most prestigious golf match ever held in India.
Fleetwood’s last birdie, from 8 toes on the ultimate 9, separated him from former British champions Shane Lawrie, 69, and Brian Harman, 65, who had been tied for second.
Mr Fleetwood described the slim, tree-lined Derry Golf Membership course as “a singular problem for all of us”.
“I’ve solely ever hit a 5-wood,” he mentioned. “It is a take a look at of endurance. … In the event you hit it nicely off the tee, you are going to be utilizing quick irons and wedges, and (you) really feel like there’s all the time an opportunity to make a mistake. It is a recreation that I am actually trying ahead to.”
Three strokes again, American rookie Ben Griffin, who performed within the Ryder Cup, tied for seventh place at 8 underneath.
McIlroy once more did not have his driver within the bag and suffered back-to-back bogeys early on the again 9, however fought again with birdies on 4 of his last six holes for his second straight 69. He’s tied with fellow European group member Viktor Hovland (67) at 6 underneath par.
On the tree-lined Delhi Golf Membership, McIlroy, who’s ranked second within the rankings, took off his cap as he exited from No. 18 and shook arms with the match’s particular visitor, Indian cricket nice Sachin Tendulkar, behind the inexperienced.
“It was a robust end and I really feel like I am again within the match. I want a robust begin tomorrow,” McIlroy mentioned.
Requested if he would change his technique off the tee this weekend to be extra aggressive in an effort to nook Fleetwood, McIlroy mentioned: “I do not assume so. In the event you’re having hassle hitting the golf green with a 2-iron, I do not assume you are going to hit it with a driver.”
“It is the identical technique. You must hit your second shot a bit of nearer and take a look at to not miss as many putts as doable.”
