The DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi Championship kicked off with a thrilling first round, as five players tied for the lead. Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, former champions, showcased their skills with impressive scores of 8-under 64.
Fleetwood, a two-time winner of this event, dominated with eight birdies, while Lowry, the 2019 champion, carded nine birdies and a single bogey. They were joined by Adrien Saddier, Kazuma Kobori, and Richard Sterne at the top of the leaderboard.
Saddier came close to taking the sole lead but settled for a share after a late bogey. Sterne’s two eagles were offset by bogeys, and Kobori had an eagle and six birdies in a flawless round.
This video brings you the highlights and key moments from an exciting day of golf, where the competition is fierce and the leaderboard is packed with talent.
Imagine five golfers all tied for the lead after a thrilling first round at the Abu Dhabi Championship. It’s a scenario that sets the stage for an electrifying tournament. And at the heart of it are former champions Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry. Both firing impressive eight under 64s. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing. They’re joined by Frenchman Adrien Sadier, New Zealand’s Kazuma Kobori, and South Africa’s Richard Stern, the lone veteran who competed in the events inaugural 2006 edition. This quintet stellar performance on Thursday has golf fans buzzing with anticipation. Fleetwood, a two-time winner of this tournament, 2017 and 2018, delivered a flawless round with eight birdies, while 2019 champion Lowry matched his pace with nine birdies and a single bogey. When asked about his start, Fleetwood kept it grounded. It’s Thursday. You can obviously play your way out of it. You can’t win it, but eight under is a really nice way to start. Yet, this isn’t just about past victories. It’s about the momentum building toward the 2025 Tour Championship where Fleetwood’s career close calls could finally culminate in a long-awaited win. And this is the part most people miss. Sadier nearly stole the show in the afternoon, racking up nine birdies in his first 16 holes before a stumble on the 17th cost him the sole lead. Meanwhile, Stern’s round was a roller coaster with two eagles and two bogeies, while Kore’s eagle and six birdies showcased his precision. But here’s the controversial question. Can these lesserknown players sustain their momentum or will the season champions pull away as the tournament progresses? Just one shot back, seven players, including Alex Norin, Andy Sullivan, and Nikolai Hodgegard posted 65s, keeping the pressure on the leaders. Lupe Gabberg stole the spotlight momentarily with a hole-in-one on the par 38th, though he finished four shots off the lead alongside RDER Cup teammate Rory Moy. Is Abber’s ace a sign of things to come or just a fleeting moment of brilliance? As the tournament unfolds, one thing is clear. This Abu Dhabi championship is shaping up to be a battle of experience, precision, and sheer determination. What do you think? Will Fleetwood or Lowry reclaim the title, or will an underdog like Kobori or Sadier emerge victorious? Let us know in the comments.
