Fleetwood defends in Abu Dhabi: in the bag

Tommy Fleetwood defended the Abu Dhabi Championship with a closing 65 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The Englishman finished on -22 for the event, two strokes clear of compatriot Ross Fisher and four ahead of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

“It was pretty good on that back nine,” said Fleetwood, who made six birdies when coming home in 30.

“Without going over tournaments or rounds in my head, I think that run of holes will definitely be at the top of my list of most memorable play. I actually never felt like I didn’t have a chance, and after I got a bit lucky with the tee shot on the 13th, the rest of the round went perfectly. The putts were going in, and suddenly I was wondering if this could be my day again. And the up-and-down on the last was one of the best I’ve ever made. Happy days.

This means so much to me,” said Fleetwood, the 2017 European Tour’s Race to Dubai winner.

“I feel a lot more emotional than last year. I don’t know why. I just wanted to win this one. I had the year of my life last year. So backing it up is the next big thing. It’s a weird feeling to hit form this early and defend. You could say this is validation, but it is just nice to show that I am still moving forward. That score on this golf course is very, very good.”

Driver:TaylorMade M3, 9.5˚ (Mitsubishi Rayon Kuro Kage XT70 TX-Flex)

3-wood:Nike Vapor Fly, 13˚ (UST Mamiya ProForce VTS 7X)

5-wood:Nike Vapor Fly, 19˚ (Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Limited-Edition 80TX)

4-iron: Nike VR Forged (Project X 6.5)

5-9-irons: Nike VR Pro (Project X 6.5)

Wedges:Callaway Mack Daddy 4, 48˚, 52˚, 56˚, 60˚ (True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400)

Putter:Odyssey White Hot Pro #3

Ball:Titleist Pro V1x