Tommy Fleetwood has enjoyed a Ryder Cup reunion in India, playing alongside Shane Lowry and Luke Donald in the opening two rounds of the DP World India Championship.
It’s been a successful start to the tournament for all three players after their incredible performances at Bethpage Black. Lowry, who sank the Ryder Cup retaining putt, led through the first round, then Fleetwood led after Friday at 12 under par.
Meanwhile, Donald made his first cut since the PGA Championship by shooting five under through two days. The Ryder Cup captain is showing the world that he’s still got gas in the tank on the course.
It seems like the trio enjoyed each other’s company in New Delhi. And there was one topic of discussion that was particularly fervent during their rounds, according to Fleetwood.
Tommy Fleetwood reveals what he spoke a lot about with Shane Lowry and Luke Donald
Delhi Golf Club has presented a unique challenge for some of the best players on the planet this week. Players are unable to hit their drivers due to the course’s tight nature, which is woven into the New Delhi Jungle.
Tiger Woods said it was the narrowest course he had played back in 2014, forcing players to approach it in a completely different way than they would typically on the PGA Tour.
Fleetwood said that it’s been a great test for all three players. When asked about the course, said, “It’s great. We spoke about it quite a bit out there. It’s just such a unique challenge for all of us.
“I haven’t hit more than a 5-wood. The one hole where I hit more is 18, but you get to that and you’re like, ‘Well, I haven’t hit one, and I don’t really feel that comfortable with it.’ It’s such a unique challenge, and the greens are firming out a little bit and the pins have been tricky.
“It’s been very, very enjoyable. It’s a test of patience when you’re not quite on it because it’s one of those courses where you feel if you hit it good off the tee, you’re going to have some short irons and wedges and feel like you’ve always got a chance to get it wrong.
“It’s such a waiting game. You’ve got to be very patient. It’s been a great test.”
Fleetwood, Lowry and Donald are all well-suited to the course as some of the best iron players in the competition, so it’s no wonder they have been enjoying the change of pace. Fleetwood made eight birdies on his way to a second round 64.
And with the camaraderie they built in Rome and New York at the Ryder Cup, Fleetwood went on to discuss how he’s enjoyed playing alongside his European teammates.
Tommy Fleetwood says how he felt when he was paired with Luke Donald and Shane Lowry
The vibes in Fleetwood’s group have been immaculate this week, as he’s had the chance for a Ryder Cup debrief alongside his captain and teammate.
Donald jokingly put his head against Fleetwood’s at the end of his opening round, mimicking the moment he shared with Justin Rose after they beat Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler in New York.
The Englishman acknowledged that all three players have been so comfortable playing with each other that it’s helped their performance on the course.
Fleetwood explained, “Unbelievable three-ball. I think because you’re so comfortable with each other, you do your own thing. It’s always a bonus when you’re with two guys that you’re really close with.
“So yeah, I saw the draw, or Shane actually told me about the draw, and I was really pleased. It has been a great two days. I feel like if I’m playing with Shane for the next two days, I’m doing something right, probably.”
Lowry and Fleetwood are genuine contenders for the win this weekend in India, and it would be an incredible spectacle to see them paired against each other on Sunday. For that to happen, both will have to continue playing the spectacular golf they have put on display so far.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
