Tommy Fleetwood says how he felt about being paired with Shane Lowry on day one at the Abu Dhabi Championship

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Tommy Fleetwood played with Shane Lowry and Rasmus Hojgaard in round one at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The European Ryder Cup-winning trio were one of three featured groups on day one of the signature DP World Tour event.

While Hojgaard struggled at Yas Links, Fleetwood and Lowry shared the lead at eight under par when they walked off the 18th green.

Fleetwood has now expressed his opinion on being in the same group as the Irishman in Abu Dhabi.

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Tommy Fleetwood considers himself ‘lucky’ to be in Shane Lowry’s group

Fleetwood is probably the most likable professional golfer in the world and would be happy to play with anyone.

However, he admitted that he does enjoy playing with some players more than others and was particularly pleased with his group at the Abu Dhabi Championship.

Fleetwood thought he was fortunate to have good friends Lowry and Hojgaard as his playing partners this week.

“Yeah, I was very lucky,” he said. “What a comfortable three-ball. I’m so close to both the guys, Ryder Cup teammates.

“I played with Rasmus last week. So yeah, it was great. You all go out there and do your thing, and you’re just very comfortable in each other’s company.

“As much as you focus on your own game and it doesn’t make that much difference, when you’re in a comfortable pairing or grouping, it’s nice and helpful.”

Shane Lowry likes playing with Tommy Fleetwood

Shane Lowry reciprocated Fleetwood’s comments by saying that he was looking forward to playing together when the Abu Dhabi Championship tee times were announced.

“Yeah, it was nice. I was pretty excited when I saw the group,” he said after the first round. “It was nice to go out there with the two boys.

“I felt like I played lovely in the pro-am yesterday, so I was confident coming in. It was nice.”

Lowry then added that it definitely helps to be grouped with someone you like, and so he often plays well alongside Fleetwood.

“Yeah, I think [it helps],” the Irishman continued. “I played with him in India the first two days, and I shot 64 on the first day there as well.

“Yeah, there’s something about me and Tommy. But I just like playing with my friends, especially really good players. You feed off each other, and it’s nice.”