Nobody can accuse Tommy Fleetwood of doing things the easy way. Whereas 12 months ago the Southport man held off the challenge of Dustin Johnson to prevail in Abu Dhabi, this time it was Rory McIlroy who could not keep pace. Attention will fall on McIlroy not achieving the victory that looked highly likely for so long on his return to competitive action but Fleetwood’s brilliance when it mattered most should not be underestimated. Yet again.
The Race to Dubai champion of last year secured a third tournament victory since the start of 2017 in a style that epitomised his stunning rise. In blustery winds, Fleetwood produced a Sunday 65 – including an inward half of 30 – to take the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship by two at 22 under par from Ross Fisher. McIlroy’s 70 meant a share of third with Matt Fitzpatrick at minus 18.
That inspired back-nine run was key to Fleetwood’s success, with a sequence of five birdies in seven holes from the 10th proving more than McIlroy could handle. Fleetwood, who has identified putting as a professional weakness, holed out from 25ft and 35ft respectively at the 15th and 16th greens. Fisher needed an eagle on the last to force a play‑off, which proved beyond him.
Fleetwood had spoken in effusive terms about McIlroy and Johnson, whom he partnered over the first two tournament days. Talk about having the last laugh; the perfect defence may catapult Fleetwood into the top 10 in the world rankings. Fleetwood, who has enjoyed marriage and fatherhood over the past year, may question if this fairytale is ever likely to end.
“I feel a lot more emotional than last year,” Fleetwood said. “I don’t know why. I just really wanted to win this one. I had the year of my life last year. It’s a weird feeling coming to defend a trophy because it’s yours and you don’t want to give it away. Keeping hold of it for another year is very nice.”
McIlroy’s dream scenario of victory on this, his return to action following an injury absence, was not to happen. Still, there was sufficient evidence over four days to suggest the Northern Irishman will end that barren run – which stretches back to September 2016 – before the Masters.
On Abu Dhabi greens that have always proved a challenge to him, McIlroy was simply unable to convert enough fourth-round chances but was among the first to congratulate the 27-year-old Fleetwood.
“It’s incredible,” McIlroy said of Fleetwood’s surge. “To put that round of golf together out there today; 65 in those conditions is seriously impressive and six under on the back nine when he needed to. He’s a great addition to the world of golf, a great addition to the European Tour and will be a great addition to the Ryder Cup team in September.
“I’m really happy with how I played this week. My game is in really good shape and I saw some really, really positive signs. So I’m looking forward to next week in Dubai and obviously looking forward to the rest of the season.”
McIlroy began the day one shot from the lead but found himself in a four‑way tie after making a birdie at the 2nd. In what was to prove a gripping afternoon, it was Fisher who thereafter grabbed the initiative. The former Ryder Cup player – who has legitimate aspirations of returning to that fold – reached the turn in 32 to lead by four.
Trouble arrived for Fisher at the 10th, where he was forced into an excellent bogey save. He actually did little wrong thereafter, with Fleetwood pressing on the accelerator at precisely the right time to leave the others trailing.
“Hats off to Tommy,” Fisher said. “I don’t feel like I’ve lost a tournament. Tommy’s gone out there and shot 65 and he’s won it.”
