Tommy Fleetwood’s remarkable 2025 season just got even brighter, as the Englishman clinched his eighth DP World Tour title by winning the inaugural DP World India Championship on October 19, 2025. The historic event, held at Delhi Golf Club—one of India’s most storied and challenging courses—saw Fleetwood outshine a field packed with Ryder Cup legends and rising stars alike.
Fleetwood carded a sensational final round of 65, finishing at seven under par for the day and securing his place atop the leaderboard. His steady hand and sharp focus allowed him to pull two strokes clear of Japan’s Keita Nakajima, who claimed solo second. The $4 million prize purse reflected the tournament’s prestige, with Fleetwood taking home a cool $680,000 and Nakajima banking $440,000 for his efforts.
“I just don’t think the course allows you to be that aggressive,” Fleetwood explained after his third round, a sentiment he carried into Sunday’s finale. “The pins again today were pretty tucked. I felt like the pins yesterday were a bit easier to get to. You can only hit the shot that the course gives you, and I feel like this is very similar [to Augusta National]. It just stops you from being aggressive.” (According to Fleetwood’s post-round interview.)
The Delhi Golf Club, originally known as Lodhi Golf Club and established in the 1930s, boasts an 18-hole championship course called the Lodhi and a nine-hole layout known as the Peacock. The Lodhi Course is renowned for its tight, tree-lined fairways, ancient tombs, and cultural landmarks, making it both a visual marvel and a stern test for even the world’s best golfers. Its design discourages the use of drivers—players must instead rely on pinpoint accuracy and a disciplined approach.
Ryder Cup stars such as Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Viktor Hovland, Ben Griffin, and Brian Harman all teed it up in New Delhi, eager to etch their names into the tournament’s history books. While McIlroy and Lowry entered the final round with hopes of chasing down Fleetwood, it was the Englishman who maintained composure and executed his game plan to perfection.
Lowry, who finished tied for third, reflected on a rollercoaster Saturday that nearly derailed his title bid. “Yeah, I got very frustrated on the back nine today,” Lowry admitted. “I started to hit very loose shots, made some silly mistakes. It was disappointing… but it was nice to birdie the last. I made a couple of really silly errors, mental errors, but it is what it is. I’m still only three back.” Lowry remained optimistic, adding, “I’ll reset tonight and look at the leaderboard. I’m in a great position in this tournament. I like the golf course. I think it suits me, and I think I’ll have a low score out there. I’ve already shown that once this week. I’ll need a low one tomorrow to try and win.”
Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, found himself seven shots back heading into Sunday, tied for 15th. Yet the Northern Irishman wasn’t ready to count himself out just yet. “Yeah, still quite a bit back, depending on how the guys play the back nine. But I’d imagine that if I shoot a low one tomorrow I could post a score and see what happens. But I’d say I’m probably two shots too far behind to have a realistic chance. But I could go out and shoot a low one tomorrow,” McIlroy said, demonstrating the fighting spirit that’s made him a fan favorite worldwide.
The tournament’s prize money breakdown underscored the depth of talent on display. Alex Fitzpatrick and Thriston Lawrence joined Lowry in a tie for third, each earning $207,200. Viktor Hovland, who finished tied for sixth, took home $120,000, as did Jayden Schaper and Joost Luiten. Even those who made the cut at the lower end of the leaderboard, like Jordan Gumberg in 65th, pocketed $9,600—a testament to the event’s stature on the DP World Tour calendar.
The Delhi Golf Club itself provided a unique backdrop for the championship. With a waiting list rumored to stretch over 50 years, the club is among the most exclusive in the world. Its fairways snake around ancient mausoleums and tombs, reminders of Delhi’s rich history. The tight layout meant that strategy trumped power, with few players daring to unleash the driver. As Fleetwood noted, “You have to play the right shots at the right time, and if you have a wedge in your hand you’re going to have to try and be a bit more aggressive and take it on a little bit. You have to be very disciplined still and try to get the best out of the round tomorrow.”
For many, the DP World India Championship represented more than just another event on the schedule. It was a chance to compete in a new market, test their skills on a demanding course, and experience the culture and hospitality of India’s capital. The tournament’s successful debut bodes well for its future, with players and fans alike already looking forward to next year.
Among the 65 players who made the cut, each walked away with at least $7,500—a fitting reward for surviving the Lodhi Course’s relentless challenges. The leaderboard was a who’s who of international golf, with established stars and emerging talents sharing the stage. Ben Griffin, who finished tied for 32nd, and Brian Harman, tied for 26th, both left their mark, while local favorites like Shiv Kapur and Shubhankar Sharma enjoyed the support of passionate home crowds.
As the sun set over New Delhi and the final putts dropped, Tommy Fleetwood’s name was etched into the record books as the first-ever winner of the DP World India Championship. His blend of patience, precision, and mental fortitude proved the perfect recipe for success on a course that demanded nothing less. The Englishman’s victory, coupled with strong showings from Ryder Cup teammates and global stars, ensured the tournament’s debut was a resounding success—one that will be remembered for years to come.
With the DP World India Championship now firmly established, all eyes will be on Fleetwood and his rivals as the DP World Tour season continues. For now, though, it’s Fleetwood who stands tallest in Delhi, trophy in hand and history made.
