The DP World India Championship returned to Delhi Golf Club this week, bringing with it a star-studded field and a course that plays like a tightrope walk. On Friday, Tommy Fleetwood answered every question.
He opened with a ten-foot birdie on the 11th hole and reeled off five birdies before the turn. Three more birdies late in the round gave him a bogey-free 64 and the clubhouse lead at 12-under.
The reigning FedExCup champion admitted he had to work on his swing after Thursday’s 68 and credited time on the range for his improved ball-striking. Tommy likened the Delhi layout to “a waiting game,” explaining that he never used more than a five-wood and that hitting fairways and wedges was crucial.
The narrow corridors and firm greens meant patience was more important than power; making birdies felt like threading a needle. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry stayed close.
After posting a 64 to lead after day one, the Irishman carded a steady 69 on Friday despite a couple of loose shots, keeping him one shot behind Fleetwood. Keita Nakajima, the rising Japanese star, was another stroke back in fourth, lurking like a shadow.
The DP World India Championship had turned into a test of precision, and after two rounds Fleetwood, Nakajima, and Lowry were separated by just two shots.
Nakajima’s Charge And Lowry’s Grit Set Up A Sunday Showdown
Saturday’s third round flipped the script as Keita Nakajima produced a mesmerizing, bogey-free 65. He birdied the first, fifth, sixth, and eighth to turn in 32 before draining long putts from 40, 13, and nearly 20 feet on the 12th, 13th, and 14th holes.
Those bombs vaulted him to 17-under and a two-shot lead over Tommy. “I played with Shane and I love his swing tempo, so I copied his tempo on every shot; that’s why I did great,” Keita said.
The 25-year-old, already a winner at the 2024 Hero Indian Open, added that he draws confidence from his past success in India. While Keita surged, Tommy fought for momentum.
While you were sleeping, Kieta Nakajima birdied 7 of the first 14 holes to take the solo lead in New Delhi. Tommy Fleetwood is 2 back, and Shane Lowry in the hunt as well as play is wrapping up for the day. pic.twitter.com/9yaTn7TZw0
— SleeperGolf (@SleeperGolf) October 18, 2025
He birdied three of his first nine holes but parred seven straight on the back nine and then dropped his first shot of the day at the 17th. His fortunes changed when his approach at the 18th ricocheted off a tree and kicked back into the fairway; he chipped close and holed the birdie putt.
After the round Fleetwood acknowledged he didn’t make the most of his chances but remained upbeat: “The final group is always great… just go out and enjoy it and play well.”
Lowry matched Fleetwood’s 69 but his back nine was a rollercoaster.
“I got very frustrated on the back nine… I started to hit very loose shots, made some silly mistakes,” he confessed. Despite the miscues, he remained within three shots of Nakajima.
Leaderboard After 54 Holes
| Position | Player | Score |
| 1 | Nakajima | −17 |
| 2 | Fleetwood | −15 |
| 3 | Lowry | −14 |
| T4 | Jens Dantorp / Alex Fitzpatrick / Brian Harman / Daniel Hillier | −13 |
With Nakajima ahead, Fleetwood and Lowry still in the hunt, and big names like Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland lurking further back, the DP World India Championship promised a thrilling finale.
What’s at Stake and What to Watch for
The DP World India Championship is not just another stop on the schedule. It marks the tour’s return to India, boasts a purse of USD 4 million, and draws marquee names including Fleetwood, Nakajima, Lowry, McIlroy, and Hovland.
Delhi Golf Club’s par-72 layout is only 6,912 yards, but its narrow, tree-lined fairways and tricky greens demand surgical precision, and players often leave their drivers in the bag. Sunday’s final round is set up like a chess match.
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Keita Nakajima leads the DP World India Championship with Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry in the mix heading into the final round
pic.twitter.com/hkzmffCKju
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) October 18, 2025
Nakajima has the momentum, but he hasn’t shaken Fleetwood and Lowry yet. Fleetwood’s tee-to-green consistency and Lowry’s ability to grind through adversity make them dangerous. Nakajima described India as a happy hunting ground and said he will stick to the same rhythm.
Fleetwood knows he must “be very patient” and wait for opportunities, while Lowry believes a low final round could vault him into contention. As the sun rises over New Delhi on Sunday, the DP World India Championship could become a two-horse race or turn into a three-man tussle.
Whatever happens, the battle between Fleetwood, Nakajima, and Lowry on one of golf’s most exacting tracks promises drama worthy of a final act.
Writer’s Thoughts
Watching the DP World India Championship unfold has been like reading a great novel, just when you think the plot is settled, Nakajima, Fleetwood, and Lowry rewrite the script. Fleetwood’s second-round masterpiece gave him the lead, Nakajima’s birdie barrage on Saturday tipped the scales, and Lowry’s steadiness keeps him in the picture.
I can’t wait to see if Nakajima can close the deal or if Fleetwood and Lowry will author a comeback. One thing is certain: the final round will be as tight as the corridors of Delhi Golf Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the DP World India Championship going into the final round?
After three rounds, Keita Nakajima leads at 17-under with Tommy Fleetwood two shots back and Shane Lowry another stroke behind.
How did Fleetwood take the lead earlier in the DP World India Championship?
Fleetwood seized the halfway lead with a bogey-free 64 on Friday, making five birdies before the turn and three more coming home. He credited improved ball-striking from a post-round range session.
What did Keita Nakajima say about Shane Lowry’s swing tempo?
Nakajima said he admired Lowry’s swing tempo and even copied it during his seven-birdie 65 on Saturday. He believes adopting that rhythm helped him stay relaxed and go bogey-free.
How has Shane Lowry fared at the DP World India Championship?
Lowry led after round one with a 64 and has followed it with back-to-back 69s. He admitted frustration over some loose shots on Saturday but remains just three strokes behind.
When and where is the final round of the DP World India Championship?
The final round takes place on Sunday at Delhi Golf Club. The contest begins early in New Delhi, and viewers can expect Nakajima, Fleetwood, and Lowry to battle for the title on a course that rewards patience and precision.
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