Tommy Fleetwood arrives at the Dubai Invitational not only as a former champion at Dubai Creek Resort, but as a player firmly established among the game’s elite.

Now world No. 3, the Englishman reflects on a breakthrough year in the United States, the value of consistency, memories of a defining victory in Dubai, and the challenge of chasing down the two players currently setting the standard in men’s golf.

Unchanged Ambitions After a Breakthrough Year

Fleetwood’s long-awaited PGA TOUR victory last season marked a major milestone, yet he is quick to stress that it has not altered his long-term outlook.

Rather than redefining targets for the year ahead, Fleetwood sees his journey very much as a continuation of the same process that has guided him throughout his career.

He explains that his broader life and career ambitions remain intact, with the focus still on becoming the best golfer he can be. While last season placed him in unfamiliar territory, particularly in terms of world ranking, he views that success as a platform rather than a destination.

A well-earned break after an intense year has helped him reset, and as the new season begins, Fleetwood is eager to return to work, sticking with familiar routines and continuing to push for incremental improvement.

Consistency as the Foundation of Success

When asked to pinpoint the reasons behind what many described as an outstanding year, Fleetwood points not to any dramatic technical changes, but to years of steady, disciplined effort.

Consistency, he says, has always been central to his identity as a player. While the absence of a PGA TOUR win had often been highlighted, Fleetwood never felt that his underlying performance level was lacking.

In his view, last season’s run of form simply represented his ability to play, more often and more consistently, at the level he knows he can reach. The difference was not in approach, but in execution, finding himself in contention more regularly and allowing results to follow.

Surrounded by a strong support team and armed with detailed preparation, Fleetwood believes last year was the natural reward for sustained hard work finally aligning with opportunity.

Defending Champion Memories at Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek Resort holds special significance for Fleetwood, and memories of his victory there remain fresh. Central to that win was a compelling final-round battle alongside Rory McIlroy.

Fleetwood recalls the experience as both enjoyable and demanding, describing it as a valuable test against one of the greatest players of his generation. The closing stages served as a reminder of golf’s unpredictability, the need to stay patient, focused and committed until the final putt is holed.

Winning in Dubai was made even more meaningful by having his family present, adding a personal dimension to a professional highlight.

Reflecting on the course itself, Fleetwood describes Dubai Creek as a fair examination that rewards quality ball-striking. Calm morning conditions and receptive greens offer scoring opportunities, but accuracy off the tee is critical. Straying into the rough, particularly as the course firms up, quickly turns the test into a grind.

Life at World No. 3

Starting the season ranked third in the world is new territory for Fleetwood, and one he finds both motivating and exciting.

He is candid in acknowledging the gap between himself and the two players ahead of him, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, whom he regards as the clear standard-bearers of the modern game. Closing that gap, he believes, will require improvement across every area, measured in the smallest of margins.

Rather than setting short-term expectations, Fleetwood frames the challenge as a long-term pursuit. Maintaining his current level is the first priority, with any further progress seen as the result of patience and continued development rather than immediate results.

He also recognises the privilege of being mentioned in the same breath as the game’s very best, viewing it as both a compliment and a source of motivation.

Focused on the Process, Ready for the Challenge

As Fleetwood tees it up once again at the Dubai Invitational, his mindset is clear: grounded, consistent and forward-looking.

There is no sense of complacency despite recent success, nor any rush to force the next step. Instead, Fleetwood remains committed to the same principles that have carried him to this point — trust in his work, belief in his process, and an appreciation of the challenge that lies ahead.

At Dubai Creek Resort, a course that rewards precision and patience, Fleetwood finds himself perfectly aligned with both the setting and the moment.

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The reigning FedExCup Champion and seven-time DP World Tour winner produced a dramatic birdie-birdie finish at the inaugural edition in 2024 to edge out Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy on the final day in his adopted home of Dubai.

Two years on, Fleetwood returns as one of the game’s standout stars. In 2025, he became only the second Englishman in history to capture the PGA TOUR’s prestigious FedExCup title with his win at the TOUR Championship, adding to his growing list of accolades which now includes three Ryder Cup triumphs.

The 34-year-old played a pivotal role in Europe’s historic away victory at Bethpage, finishing the week as the leading points scorer across both teams. His Ryder Cup record now stands at an impressive 7–3–2, giving him the highest winning percentage of any European player with at least ten matches played.

FREE ADMISSION

The World Number Five is aiming to carry his strong form into the new season and is relishing a return to a venue that holds special memories.

“I’m delighted to be defending my Dubai Invitational title in front of family and friends here in Dubai,” said Fleetwood.

“Winning the first edition was a really special moment for me, and Abdulla did a fantastic job bringing the event to life. I can’t wait to start the new year back at Dubai Creek Resort.”

Tournament host Abdulla Al Naboodah added: “We are thrilled to welcome Tommy back to Dubai Creek Resort as our defending champion. His victory in the inaugural Dubai Invitational was an unforgettable moment and set the standard for what this tournament is all about. Having one of the world’s top players return to defend his title is a huge honour, and I am excited to see the tournament continue to grow and inspire golf fans here in Dubai and around the world.”

The Dubai Invitational is the opening event of the Race to Dubai’s International Swing. Played alongside a three-day Pro-Am team format before a professionals-only Sunday, the bi-annual event features 60 DP World Tour professionals and 60 amateurs.

General admission is free of charge. Fans can now register their interest at www.dpworldtour.com

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The Englishman entered the final day at Dubai Creek Resort with a one-shot lead, and with Ryder Cup team mate McIlroy his nearest challenger, a mouth watering head-to-head was in store.

While those around him produced fireworks, Fleetwood was a picture of consistency, but he dropped out of the lead for the first time with a bogey on the 16th. He was still one back on the 18th tee after he and McIlroy both birdied the penultimate hole, but as the Northern Irishman found the water and made a bogey, Fleetwood holed from 16 feet for a 67, a 19 under total and a seventh DP World Tour title.

WHO ELSE HAD A GOOD TOURNAMENT

South African Lawrence finished alongside McIlroy at 18 under, two clear of Jordan Smith and three ahead of Francesco Molinari. American Sean Crocker and in-form South African Zander Lombard was at 14 under, with Thorbjørn Olesen and Yannik Paul two shots further back.

The victory is Fleetwood’s third in the United Arab Emirates after claiming two wins in Abu Dhabi and follows a second-place finish at the 2023 season-ending DP World Tour Championship. A first win since the 2022 Nedbank Golf Challenge also moves the Southport man to fourth in the Race to Dubai Rankings and could take him as high as 11th in the world rankings.

WHAT DID TOMMY SAY

Fleetwood said: “That winning feeling is amazing, and it’s been a really cool week. I  felt like I played better and better throughout the week. Had a great day yesterday, and then today, playing with Rory and coming down the stretch in contention and trying to win a golf tournament was really, really cool.”

It’s always very special when you play with one of your friends, one of the best players in the world. Challenging yourself against those guys, like I said just before, Rory’s been a very, very supportive influence on me. I’ve watched him do amazing things down the stretch in golf tournaments, and today was my turn. I was playing really, really well. The front nine in particular, there were times when it was frustrating.

“Rory played amazing on the back nine. He played so aggressive. He made so many birdies. Especially after 16, starting on the 17th tee, it was frustrating to then all of a sudden be one behind when you’re led all day. But I’m happy with how I sort of trusted myself. Happy with my attitude on something that’s very important, and yeah, just the last two holes, it came down to those and to finish those birdie, birdie – feels great.

RORY’S QUOTES ON MISSING OUT

McIlroy said:  “I think for the first week back out, it was a really positive week. Looking back on today, you know, a tee shot in the water with an iron on the front nine, had that three-putt from three feet on the par 3, and then the water ball on the last.

After the lay-off I think you’re going to expect some of those sloppy mistakes, and unfortunately for me, those mistakes came at the wrong time today. But you know, I’ll reflect on it and learn from today, and there’s still a lot of good stuff in there. But just need to tidy up some of the edges, and if I do that, I feel good going into next week.

It was a great day playing with Tommy. It was a bit back and forth. I went three behind after ten, and then made three birdies in a row on 11, 12 and 13 to get back tied for the lead. I’m really happy for Tommy. He’s played some incredible golf over the last year without actually getting a win. So for him to get the win here, it’s great for him and it will do his confidence a world of good, and hopefully he kicks on from it. But yeah, it was a good battle out there and hopefully I have many more with him this year and for the years ahead.

WHO FINISHED IN THE DUBAI INVITATIONAL TOP TEN

265 T FLEETWOOD (ENG) 66 69 63 67

 266 T LAWRENCE (RSA) 65 70 67 64, R MCILROY (NIR) 62 70 67 67

 268 J SMITH (ENG) 68 67 67 66

 269 F MOLINARI (ITA) 68 70 68 63

 270 S CROCKER (USA) 67 70 66 67, Z LOMBARD (RSA) 67 68 67 68

 272 Y PAUL (GER) 64 70 69 69, T OLESEN (DEN) 66 69 66 71

 273 A MERONK (POL) 70 67 68 68

Tommy Fleetwood WITB

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 LS (9°)
Fairway woods: TaylorMade BRNR Mini (13.5°), TaylorMade Qi10 18.0° 5-wood
Irons: TaylorMade P·7TW (3-PW)
Wedges: TaylorMade Hi Toe 3 52°,  Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks Proto (60°)
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Pro 3
Ball: TaylorMadeTP5x pix

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The Northern Irishman was teeing it up for the first time since being presented with his fifth Harry Vardon Trophy at the DP World Tour Championship and he returned to the United Arab Emirates looking for a sixth career win in Dubai, the place where he claimed his first nearly 15 years ago.

His nine birdies at Dubai Creek Resort saw him lead the way from Germany’s Yannik Paul on seven under par, with South African Thriston Lawrence a shot further back six under.

Tommy Fleetwood and Thorbjørn Olesen are four shots off the lead at the event which sees 60 professional players competing in a 72-hole strokeplay tournament, which is played concurrently with a three-day team Pro-Am, with Sunday featuring professionals only.

Four-time Major winner McIlroy also tops the Team Leaderboard, posting an opening 13 under par 58 alongside teammate and tournament host Abdulla Al Naboodah. Germany’s Paul and his amateur playing partner JJ Dudum are second on ten under par.

Speaking after his round, McIlroy said: “I didn’t expect that. It didn’t feel quite as good as that the first couple of days when I was here and hitting balls and playing the course. But it was nice to get a card in the hand again and sort of feel the competitive juices flowing.  I think a did a good job today of managing my misses and missing on the right side.”

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RORY McILROY: Yeah, I am. I’m looking forward to the next couple of weeks. This is a different way to start the season than previous ones. Obviously we played Abu Dhabi and then Dubai. Abu Dhabi now at the end of the year, which is exciting, because another big tournament at the end of the season could decide the season-long race.

This is a nice, maybe gentler introduction back into golf with this Pro-Am format this week at the Creek, and then obviously looking ahead to the Dubai Desert Classic next week also.

Q. Why particularly did you start next week and not next week at the Desert Classic?

RORY McILROY: I have a lot of friends in Dubai and I know a lot of the amateurs coming to play. I thought it would be a nice, as I said, gentle way to start the season and treat it more as a bit of a practise week and see where my game is and see if I need to make any adjustments going into next week, and obviously the bulk of the season, starting off in the States in California in a few weeks’ time.

I just thought it was a good opportunity to get on the golf course, get a card in my hand but in a more relaxed setting, so I’m excited for that for the week.

Q. Since we last spoke, Jon Rahm has joined LIV. The talks have been extended to April to try to resolve the fractures in our game. You were saying yesterday your dream scenario is if 2022 tournament world tour with a truly global schedule. Tell us which tournaments you think should be involved in that?

RORY McILROY: I think informally, we sort of have most of that global schedule, anyway. If you look at what all the tournaments that all the top players play, informally, sort of without any structure without it between a few different tours, I think we have at least the majority of what a global tour would look like. We still need to make sure that the biggest tournaments are in America; obviously that’s the biggest place that we play.

But also trying to elevate some of the other tournaments around the world: You know, trying to, Middle East, Continental Europe, U.K. and Ireland, the Far East, whether it be Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, South Africa. I mean, you’ve got a lot of different opportunities there.

I think if we really want to, if everyone is talking about growing the game and trying to, especially if these investors are going to come into our game and they want a return on their capital, I think everyone needs to start thinking more globally around it but globally in a holistic way but not really like this tour, that tour and another tour.

Like, okay, what is the best — what is the best structure for elite professional golf, the top 70 to 100 guys in the world and what would that look like, especially if the game is going to look different going forward and everything is on the table. I just think it’s worth having that conversation.

Q. You said with the proviso in mind that corporate America must be involved. Why is that so important to you?

RORY McILROY: Because they have the most money, basically. You know, they have proved over the last — the PGA TOUR has proved over the last 20 or 30 years that corporate America is interested in the game of golf for a number of different reasons, and America is still a huge market for our game. Because America has become such a huge market, it’s maybe not let other markets around the world thrive as well, and if we can sort of all start to work together a little bit more, I think a rising tide lists all ships or all boats, and that’s the mindset that I would, I guess, come to that thinking of what the best thing is for professional golf.

Q. To go to the far-flung corners of the world that you’re talking about, would players need to be contracted to play a certain number of tour events in this new world tour idea?

RORY McILROY: When you look at different sports and the media landscape and how much these media companies are paying for sporting events, I think you have to be able to guarantee them the product that they are paying for.

So in my opinion, yeah, I would say that people would have to be contracted and sign up to a certain number of events every year; that the sponsors and media partners know that the guys they want to be there are going to be.

Q. Let’s get back to you. Obviously a brilliant end to last year and winning your fifth Race to Dubai. What are the thoughts and inspirations going into this year, having reduced some of the clutter around you and taking some of those responsibilities away, how excited about the possibilities this year?

RORY McILROY: Yeah, it is, it’s nice to have a little bit more free time again, whether that’s more time on the golf course and practising, or a bit more time with my family or doing other things that I enjoy doing. It’s going to be nice.

Yeah, I’m excited for the year. This is my 18th full season on tour, which is mad to think about. But I’m as excited as I was for the first one. I think every new year, new year, new opportunities, new goals, and you know, my consistency’s really been there over the last couple years, and without winning one of the big ones, and I think that’s the final piece of the puzzle for me, especially coming out of COVID and sort of going through some dips in my game and then coming back up and playing so well the last couple years. The final piece of the puzzle is trying to knock off one of those four.

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The Dubai Invitational will be held in alternate years, starting off in 2024, when it will be held at the Dubai Creek Resort from January 11-14.

The tournament follows the same format as the Dunhill Links Championship, with 72 holes of stroke play comprising a three-day team Pro-Am and a final round featuring professionals only.

The Dubai Invitational is schedule to take place the week before the Dubai Desert Classic, which is being held at Emirates Golf Club from January 18-21.

Among those already committed to playing in both events is world no.2 Rory McIlroy, who will be defending the Dubai Desert Classic title he won earlier this year after competing in the new Pro-Am event.

“I’m really excited to start my year at the Dubai Invitational,” said McIlroy. “I’ve always enjoyed coming back to Dubai to set up my season and with a pro-am format, this tournament is going to be an enjoyable week. Dubai Creek Resort is a fantastic course and given the support we get in Dubai from the fans, I’m sure they are going to make it another great week on the golfing calendar.”

To see the full schedule of DP World Tour events for the 2023-24 season, click here.

https://www.europeantour.com

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