Everything you need to know from last week's DP World India Championship.
Fleetwood’s career-best year continues in India
It’s already been a year to remember for Tommy Fleetwood, but things got even better with victory at the inaugural DP World India Championship.
Having ended his long wait for a first PGA TOUR title at the Tour Championship to claim the FedExCup in August, the Englishman was then the top points scorer in Europe's historic away Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black in September.
Starting the final round two shots adrift of 54-hole leader Keita Nakajima, Fleetwood reeled off four birdies in a row from the seventh to the 11th to join the lead before further birdies at the 14th and 17th saw him press home his advantage and card a closing 65 to seal a two-shot win.
Playing partner Nakajima was alone in second on 20 under following his closing 69, two ahead of Shane Lowry, Alex Fitzpatrick and Thriston Lawrence in a tie for third.
With his victory, Fleetwood claimed his eighth DP World Tour title, solidified his standing at a career-high fifth on the Official World Golf Ranking and he will go into next month’s DP World Tour Play-Offs as one of the in-form golfers.
Speaking at his press conference, Fleetwood said: "These are the times that we're going to look back on. Whether it happened for me today or not, I knew that it was important for me to go out there and enjoy it, to look forward to it.
"I just happened to play great. It was such an enjoyable round, and Keita, I have to give credit to him. I said to him afterwards that he played amazing. The par he made on the 16th, the putt he holed after me on the 17th, I think he did amazing, and he was a pleasure to play against today.”
Dreams do come true
An ambassador for title partner DP World, the event – co-sanctioned by the Professional Golf Tour of India – was special in more ways than one for Fleetwood.
In the immediate aftermath of his victory, the 34-year-old revealed that his son, Frankie, had told him of his wish to see him win and celebrate on the green with him.
With that thought in his mind all week, particularly in the final round, Fleetwood answered his eight-year-old son’s dreams.
It was a truly touching moment.
Fleetwood said after his win: "We were at home last week and we were driving the buggy. I think we were playing golf together, and he just said randomly 'Do you know what you've never done?'
"He said 'You've never won a tournament and I've been able to run on to the 18th green'. I was like, 'I'm writing that down'.
"I had that written down all week. Like I say, it was just another opportunity really.
"There's going to be many more times where I hopefully get the chance to do that. But all day today, I had in my mind could I put myself in a position where I can actually make that moment happen?
"It's just one of those little things, it means a lot to me. It means so much to me. That was really cool. That's what I wanted to do all day."
Nakajima ranks India among his favourite places
While he may have come up short in his bid for a second DP World Tour title, Nakajima was left to reflect on another memorable week in India.
After claiming his maiden title on Tour in the Hero Indian Open at DLF Golf and Country Club last March, the Japanese star has since finished second at the 2025 edition before coming second again at Delhi Golf Club last week.
Even with a flawless 69 in his final round, he was powerless to stop Fleetwood but the 25-year-old was pleased with his week's work and is hoping he can celebrate victory again when he returns to India next year.
He said: "Good to come back to India.
"India is definitely one of my favourite countries. Maybe win next year again."
Many opt for driver-free strategy
Featuring a field that included four of the world's top 15 players, the Lodhi championship course in New Delhi presented a far from typical challenge.
Measuring 6,912 yards – the fifth shortest this season on the Race to Dubai schedule – the layout featured narrow fairways, meaning accuracy, and not distance, was at a premium.
As a result, 58 out of the 138-player field (42%) opted to not use a driver.
That number included grand slam winner McIlroy, widely considered one of the best drivers in golf, stating that the risk is not worth the reward.
Of the four Team Europe Ryder Cup team-mates teeing it up, Shane Lowry was the only to keep his driver but the Irishman only used it a maximum two or so times a round.
For those who did drop their driver, their preferred substitute was a utility iron.
Delhi Golf Club's historic tombs in focus
The Delhi Golf Club is not only renowned for its challenging course but also for its rich history, featuring several century-old tombs.
Among these are ones that are located by the fourth, 14th and 17th tee boxes, while there is an ancient mosque to the right of the sixth fairway.
In the video below, Ratish Nanda, CEO of Aga Khan Trust for Culture India, tells us more about the tombs and the conservation projects taking place on them.
