Tommy Fleetwood faces criticism over playoff tactics at Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Tommy Fleetwood faced criticism for his playoff tactics at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The tournament got over last week, where Aaron Rai defeated the 2025 FedEx Cup winner and lifted the tournament title.

Before the triumph, both Fleetwood and Rai tied at 25 under after the fourth round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Their score resulted in extending the tournament to a playoff round, where Rai shot a seven-foot birdie and Fleetwood ended with a par.

At the very end, Tommy Fleetwood made Rai wait on the 18th hole. After watching Fleetwood's play, TV pundit and Scottish professional golfer Andrew Coltart shared his thoughts about the English golfer's actions. (via Mirror.co):

“This is what I don't like. To me, they've both got to arrive at the tee at the same time. I don't like that. That gives the person who arrives on the tee last an advantage.”

Another commentator, David Howell, chipped in and said:

“I know what you mean, the right thing to do would be to arrive together.”

The TV commentator, Wayne Riley, added:

“Tommy is just slowing it all down, a little gamesmanship, clever. Making him wait, stew.”

Tommy Fleetwood shot an opening round of 64 at the DP World Tour event with four birdies on the front nine and four birdies on the back nine. He fired 66 in the next round with four birdies on the front nine and three birdies on the back nine. He scored 67 and 66 with three and four birdies, respectively.

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Aaron Rai shares his thoughts after defeating Tommy Fleetwood in a death playoff

Aaron Rai joined the press conference at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and shared his playing experience at the recent event. Rai defeated Tommy Fleetwood, in a playoff round to win the event title, and after such a feat, he shared his experience. ( via ASAP Sports):

“Amazing week. Didn't really have too many expectations coming into the week. I think it had been six or seven weeks since the BMW PGA, which was the last event that I played in…as cliché as it is, me and Jason, my caddie did a great job just playing golf the first three days. It's definitely harder to do on a Sunday when you're in the final group and you're aware of especially how Tommy and Nicolai were doing with us today. Still did a great job of just playing golf and going through what we usually do. I think that created a chance for us to even be in a position in the playoff.”

Aaron Rai fired 66 in the opening round with eight birdies in total. Followed by, 64 in the second round with five birdies and 66 in the third round with seven birdies. Raj scored 67 in the fourth round with seven birdies.

Edited by Tushhita Barua