Fleetwood and Lowry Lead After First Round in Abu Dhabi

The 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship kicked off with an exciting first round, showcasing impressive performances from several top golfers. Among them, past champions Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry stood out, both finishing the day with remarkable scores that placed them at the top of the leaderboard.

Stellar Performances from Fleetwood and Lowry

Fleetwood and Lowry, both prominent figures in the Ryder Cup, each recorded impressive rounds of 64, putting them in a five-way tie for the lead at eight under par. They were joined by New Zealand’s Kazuma Kobori, South Africa’s Richard Sterne, and France’s Adrien Saddier.

Fleetwood, the reigning FedExCup champion, achieved his score with eight birdies and no bogeys. He expressed his enjoyment of the course, stating, “I think it’s a very good test. There’s a low score out there if you play well, but you still have to hit the ball and do the right things.” Lowry echoed similar sentiments, reflecting on their camaraderie during play. “I just like playing with him, your friend, and really good player, too, and you kind of feed off each other,” he noted.

Competitive Edge and Close Contenders

Saddier briefly took the lead at nine under par after a stellar start, but a bogey on the 17th hole brought him back to the pack. Sterne, who has a history with this tournament, made two eagles during his round and capped it off with a remarkable 75-foot putt for birdie on the 18th. Kobori also had a flawless round, featuring an eagle and six birdies.

Sterne emphasized the importance of a strong start in a tournament without a cut, stating, “Having a good first round is imperative to keeping you going and giving you some momentum heading into the next three rounds.”

Strong Field and Notable Scores

Seven players trailed just one shot behind the leaders, each finishing with scores of 65. This group included notable names such as Alex Noren, Andy Sullivan, and Nicolai Højgaard.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy, the reigning Race to Dubai champion, began the DP World Tour Play-Offs with a solid round of 68, alongside his Ryder Cup teammate Ludvig Aberg, who made headlines with a hole-in-one on the par-three eighth hole. Marco Penge, McIlroy’s closest competitor in the season-long race, finished one shot better at five under par.

Community Engagement and Golf Promotion

Off the course, the championship made significant strides in promoting golf among local youth. Over 1,000 school children were introduced to the sport through a dedicated program, with ten schools visiting the tournament to watch the action and participate in various family-friendly activities. This initiative followed assemblies held in schools, where children learned about golf and had the chance to play.

Additionally, The R&A hosted a Golf in the Community Forum, focusing on the positive impact of golf in the region. The forum included discussions on community engagement, opportunities for women and girls in golf, and the health benefits associated with the sport. Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and HSBC, participated in the event, showcasing a commitment to accessibility and inclusion in golf.

FAQs

Who are the current leaders in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship?

Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry are among the leaders, both scoring 64 in the first round, along with Kazuma Kobori, Richard Sterne, and Adrien Saddier.

What notable achievements occurred during the first round?

Ludvig Aberg made a hole-in-one on the eighth hole, while several players, including Fleetwood and Lowry, showcased exceptional skill with multiple birdies.

How is the tournament promoting golf among young people?

The championship has introduced over 1,000 school children to golf through a dedicated program, allowing them to watch the tournament and engage in activities designed to promote the sport.

Conclusion

The first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship set the stage for an exciting tournament, with several top players vying for the lead. As the competition continues, the focus remains not only on the players but also on the efforts to engage and inspire the next generation of golfers in the region. Fans can look forward to more thrilling rounds ahead.

Also Read:

Abu Dhabi to Host Bridge Summit 2025 for Media Leaders

Dubai Plans 60 New Affordable Schools by 2033

Dubai Design Week 2025: Celebrating Community and Creativity