Tommy Fleetwood wants to finally turn his consistently strong, but so far winless 2026 season into a “very good” year at the DP World India Championship. That is the mission when he tees off as defending champion on Thursday, October 15, at the Delhi Golf Club. For Fleetwood, it's not just about the trophy, but about regaining the winning routine that made him so unstoppable in 2025.
Last year, he triumphed here by two strokes over Keita Nakajima and finished the season with victories at the Tour Championship and the FedExCup. That catapulted him to third place in the Official World Golf Rankings – truly impressive! However, despite nine top-10 finishes and only two missed cuts in 24 starts, 2026 hasn't yet seen him achieve a major breakthrough. The latest evidence: a tie for fourth place at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
The Challenges of Delhi Golf Club
At Delhi Golf Club, precision is key, power is secondary. The narrow 6,912-yard (6,320-meter) course has been given thicker rough this year, which will severely penalize every missed fairway and often only allow for a hack-out back into position. Fleetwood has already indicated that he and many other golfers will use fewer drivers and instead rely on irons to hit fairways and control approach shots. This will be a real strategy battle!
Fleetwood himself has made it clear that winning is a habit he aims to reclaim this week. The expectations as defending champion? Clearly, they are massive. But he is ready.
Star-Studded Field in Delhi
Alongside Fleetwood, other international top players like Rory McIlroy and Robert MacIntyre are also competing, eager to make their mark. This promises drama and fierce battles on the greens. Can Fleetwood finally convert his strong form into the first victory of 2026 and defend his title? The golf world is eagerly watching India.
