Tommy Fleetwood Ties Course Record with Brilliant 62 and Takes One-Shot Lead in the Opening Round of the Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links

Tommy Fleetwood delivered an outstanding performance at the Abu Dhabi Championship, posting a remarkable 10-under-par 62.

This score not only gave him a one-shot lead after the first round but also tied the course record at Yas Links.

Fleetwood, who switched up his putter this week, made eight birdies and an eagle, setting the bar high for the competition.

The Englishman expressed his satisfaction with the round, saying, “When you shoot a 62, everything is going to have gone very, very well. I putted amazing.”

Olesen and Veerman Close Behind

Danish golfer Thorbjorn Olesen and American Johannes Veerman are right on Fleetwood’s heels, each sitting just one shot back.

Both players will have to come up with strong rounds in the days ahead to challenge for the lead.

McIlroy’s Solid Start

Rory McIlroy, who has spent the last three weeks fine-tuning his swing with the help of a golf simulator, opened with a solid five-under-par 67.

The Northern Irishman is currently tied for 18th place but still has a chance to climb the leaderboard.

To claim his sixth Race to Dubai title, McIlroy needs a top-two finish at this event, with the DP World Tour Championship just around the corner.

“It’s been a really good year, very, very consistent,” McIlroy shared, looking ahead to the final stretch of the season.

What’s Next?

With the first round in the books, all eyes will be on Fleetwood and his challengers as they look to build on their performances in the coming rounds.

McIlroy, too, will be looking to keep his momentum going as he chases another title. The competition is heating up as the tournament progresses.