Red-hot Tommy Fleetwood shot a superb final round of seven-under 65 on Sunday to win the DP World India Championship by two strokes, continuing a blistering run of form.

Japan's Keita Nakajima began the day in the lead with a two-shot cushion at 17-under par, but his three-under 69 was not enough to hold off the charge of the Englishman who finished at 22-under par.

After tapping in for par at the last, the popular Fleetwood enjoyed a magical moment when his seven-year-old son Frankie charged across the green to hug his father to huge cheers from the packed galleries.

Tommy Fleetwood wins in front of Frankie for the first time ever and this is what it meant 🥹💙#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/cYpf8OVdii

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 19, 2025

"So we were at home last week and we were playing golf together and (Frankie) just said randomly: 'Do you know what you've never done?'," explained Fleetwood.

"'You've never won a tournament and I've been able to run on to the 18th green'.

"All day today, I had in my mind: 'Could I put myself in a position where I can actually make that moment happen?'.

"It's just one of those little things that means a lot to me. That was really cool. That's what I wanted to do all day."

Winning in front of family means more 💙#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/UHVc6BPi5a

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 19, 2025

Fleetwood took control with four birdies from the seventh at the devilishly tight Delhi Golf Club, but it was a crucial par putt at the 11th that kept his round going.

BIG PUTT

"That one on 11 – I hit a couple of poor iron shots there on 11 and 12 – but that putt was big and I managed to just keep it going through the back nine," said Fleetwood.

The 34-year-old put the title beyond doubt with a brilliant 25-foot putt for an eighth birdie of the day at the 17th to end Nakajima's chances and the Japanese player had to settle for second.

The Englishman's win followed him lifting the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup order of merit in August.

He sealed that by finishing in the top four of the first two PGA Tour playoff events and then winning the season-ending Tour Championship for his maiden victory on the US-based circuit.

"There's plenty of times where things haven't gone my way," said Fleetwood.

"But the last two tournaments (where) I've been in contention I've won, so maybe things are starting to even out a little bit."

Team Fleetwood 🏆#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/SEIwD3aiL7

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 19, 2025

Fleetwood, the world No 5, was also the leading points scorer for the victorious European team at the Ryder Cup last month.

The inaugural $4 million event in India attracted a host of Ryder Cup players and star names to the historic Lodhi course at Delhi Golf Club, a green lung in the heart of the city studded with the ruins of Mughal-era tombs.

Ireland's Shane Lowry had a final-round 68 to tie for third on 18-under par with England's Alex Fitzpatrick and South Africa's Thriston Lawrence.

Norway's Viktor Hovland finished with a flourish, sinking a chip for an eagle three at the 18th to get into a three-way tie for sixth at 17-under.

Rory McIlroy struggled to get going on Sunday and a 71 that left him on 11-under and a share of 26th place.

New Zealand's Daniel Hillier briefly threatened an upset with seven birdies in his first 10 holes to take the early final-round lead.

But he was derailed by a double-bogey seven at the 14th and slipped back to finish at 16-under par and a share of ninth place.

How it finished at Delhi Golf Club 🇮🇳#DPWIC

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 19, 2025

Japan's Keita Nakajima shot his second 65 of the week on Saturday to leapfrog Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry and take a two-shot cushion into the final round of the DP World India Championship.

Nakajima carded a third round of seven birdies and no bogeys to finish at 17-under-par 199 after earlier rounds of 65 and 69 at Delhi Golf Club.

The world number 134 will play in the final pairing with FedEx Cup champion Fleetwood, after partnering Lowry on Saturday, and is clearly thriving alongside golf's finest exponents.

"I love his swing tempo and his golf style, so I learned from Shane a lot," said Nakajima.

"I'm looking forward to playing with the top players in the world tomorrow. Same mindset, same swing. Yeah, just play golf."

Overnight leader Fleetwood was frustrated after a three-under 69 left him two shots back on 15-under par, while Lowry also had a 69 to be 14-under.

"When I did give myself a chance to score, I missed a couple," lamented Fleetwood, who dropped a shot at the 17th, but birdied 18.

"I'm glad that I finished with a birdie there. I thought I might have actually chipped it in," the Englishman said.

"I had a five-hole stretch where I didn't putt very well. I'll try and fix it now and then we'll go again tomorrow."

Five-time major champion Rory McIlroy rescued his day with three birdies in his last six holes to get to 10-under with a 68.

But the Northern Irishman is seven strokes behind and will need something special on Sunday to get into contention on his debut in India.

"I'd imagine that if I shoot a low one tomorrow I could post a score and see what happens," said McIlroy.

"But I'd say I'm probably two shots too far behind to have a realistic chance."

Lowry berated himself for a sloppy round that began to unravel with a dropped shot at the 10th and another at the 16th.

"I got very frustrated on the back nine today," admitted the Irishman.

"I started to hit very loose shots, made some silly mistakes. I just missed a short putt on 10 and then it kind of snowballed from there."

The inaugural $4 million tournament has attracted a stellar field that includes McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland, who is tied eighth on 12-under after a 66.

The 2023 British Open champion Brian Harman was out in the final pairing with Fleetwood.

But a wayward drive led to a bogey six at the first and the American stuttered to a 70, which dropped him into four-way tie for fourth on 13-under.

"One of those days, two really good days to start, then a day where the marginal shots ended up in a bad spot and the good shots aren't close enough for birdie," said Harman.

"Proud of the way I hung in there. To get a couple under out of my form today was pretty good."

Tommy Fleetwood played a flawless second round of eight-under to move into the lead at the India Championship on Friday, while Ryder Cup teammate Rory McIlroy was six strokes off the lead.

Birdie finish for @TommyFleetwood1 🤩#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/i4TzNVSPsz

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 17, 2025

The Englishman hit eight birdies, including five on the back nine, to open up a one-shot advantage ahead of overnight leader Shane Lowry at the picturesque Delhi Golf Club.

Fleetwood said playing alongside Lowry and Europe's Ryder Cup-winning captain Luke Donald got the best out of him.

"Yeah, unbelievable three-ball," said Fleetwood. "I think because you're so comfortable with each other, you do your own thing... It's always like a bonus when you're with two guys that you're really close with.

"It has been a great two days. I feel like if I'm playing with Shane for the next two days, I'm doing something right, probably."

@TommyFleetwood1 tops the leaderboard on day 2 of the DP World India Championship 💪 pic.twitter.com/4GMpNEJk6X

— PGTI (@pgtofindia) October 17, 2025

Lowry had an up-and-down round and ended with a bogey for a three-under 69 in round two to take joint second place with 2023 British Open champion Brian Harman of the US.

Japan's Keita Nakajima kept up his impressive play from round one to reach 10-under for the tournament, two strokes behind Fleetwood.

The Lodhi course in the heart of Delhi is a tight strip with little margin for error, despite the birds, peacocks and Mughal monuments making for a serene backdrop.

"It's a pretty tough course to learn, really," said Harman. "I mean, there's some really awkward tee shots. It's a little different than what we're used to, but I enjoyed the course."

'SCRAPPY MCILROY'

McIlroy comes into the tournament as the star attraction in his India debut after his crucial role in Europe's Ryder Cup victory, but had to fight to stay in contention.

He looked visibly frustrated with back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and 12th holes, the second after missing a three-foot par putt.

But the five-time major winner soon lifted his game with four birdies over the closing six holes to post a second consecutive 69 as every putt drew applause from the crowd.

McIlroy looked relieved after his birdie on the final hole as he shook hands with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar.

"I felt like my approach play was pretty scrappy, missed an iron shot right on four, so that's not ideal," McIlroy, who has gone for a driver-free strategy at the Delhi course, told reporters.

"Being a little tidier and keep the bogeys off the scorecard, I think I can have a good weekend and get closer to the leaders."

The inaugural $4 million tournament has attracted a stellar field, including McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland, who is tied 17th with the Masters champion and five others.

Indians had a tough day with only Shubhankar Sharma, Dhruv Sheoran, Shiv Kapur, Anirban Lahiri and Abhinav Lohan making the cut for the final two rounds.

Rory McIlroy left the driver out of his bag as he made his debut in India with a three-under 69, but it was his Ryder Cup partner Shane Lowry who led after a superb 64 Thursday in the first round at the DP World India Championship in Delhi.

How it stands in Delhi 📊#DPWIC

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 16, 2025

Lowry got up-and-down at the par-five 18th hole, despite a stray dog delaying his final putt, to complete a flawless eight-under-par round which included five straight birdies from the 11th.

Shane Lowry waits for a dog to clear the green before taking the first-round lead in Indiapic.twitter.com/sgdr2z2c04

— Underdog Golf (@UnderdogGolf) October 16, 2025

The Irishman led a packed leaderboard by one stroke from Keita Nakajima of Japan who, like Lowry, rolled in eight birdies but dropped a shot at the sixth in his seven-under 65.

Lowry missed the cut last week in Spain on his return to action after the Ryder Cup but it was McIlroy's first outing since inspiring the European team to glory in New York, albeit on a vastly different course to Bethpage Black.

Shane Lowry leads in Delhi after an opening round 64 🔥#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/dJfkip8A4w

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 16, 2025

The stunning Lodhi course at the historic Delhi Golf Club is a par-72 layout that is short by modern standards, at less than 7 000 yards, but is studded with the ruins of ancient tombs dating back to the Mughal Empire.

Its narrow fairways are bordered by treacherous dense vegetation on a course that is a throwback to a bygone golfing era, rewarding accuracy rather than distance.

"I feel like this type of golf course suits me," said Lowry, the 2019 British Open champion.

"I spend half the year moaning about golf courses that are too wide. So when I get to somewhere like here, I need to take advantage and I did that today.

"Hopefully I can keep doing that for the rest of the week."

.@ShaneLowryGolf birdies the last to take the outright lead in India. 🇮🇪#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/bNk9fkHOBF

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 16, 2025

McIlroy, one of golf's longest hitters, said Delhi Golf Club was not the place to unleash 350-yard drives with his "big dog" after finishing as one of 11 players lying five shots off Lowry's lead.

'ROUGH IS UNPREDICTABLE'

"Dog was out of the bag," said the five-time major champion of his driver.

"Probably asleep in the locker.

"I'm never going to hit driver (here). I just don't see any hole out there to hit it more than say 260, 270 off the tee," added the Northern Irishman.

Rory explains his decision to leave his driver out of the bag on Thursday 👀#DPWIC https://t.co/vsiySST5Dc pic.twitter.com/ZgzwRLyCT6

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 16, 2025

McIlroy had six birdies but also three bogeys, falling foul of the thick rough on more than one occasion.

"You just have to get the ball in the fairway," he said.

"The rough is unpredictable. You get a lot of fliers."

In third place on his own was South Africa's Casey Jarvis after a six-under 66, ahead of a three-way tie for fourth on five-under par 67 and 10 players locked on 68.

The inaugural $4 million tournament has attracted a stellar field including Tommy Fleetwood, who was one of those to card 68, his Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland who shot 71 and European team captain Luke Donald with another 68.

US PGA Tour stars have made the trip for the event on the former European Tour, including 2023 British Open champion Brian Harman and Ryder Cup rookie Ben Griffin who both also had 68s.

Rory McIlroy is excited to be venturing into uncharted territory as he prepares to tee it up at the inaugural DP World India Championship.

Over the past year or so, the Northern Irishman has made clear his desire to pursue opportunities to compete in new countries and he does just that this week as the five-time Major champion headlines a stellar international field at Delhi Golf Club.

An advocate of furthering golf’s globalisation, McIlroy cemented his status as a global golfing icon when he completed the career grand slam at the Masters earlier this year and he is excited to be taking his game to new surroundings.

“I'm excited to play a golf tournament in a place that I've never played before,” he said.

“18-odd years into a professional career and to still be able to do things for the first time is something that excites me."

McIlroy spoke last month ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club of a conversation he’d had a few years ago with Roger Federer about how the retired Swiss tennis star wanted to play in events and countries he’d never experienced during the closing stages of his career.

While McIlroy is by no means near to hanging up his clubs, the 36-year-old is clearly valuing the chance to continue to inspire in front of predicted big crowds at a historic venue in the world’s most populous country.

"I've watched tournaments on this golf course over the years on TV, and you know, the course certainly lives up to its reputation," he said.

"I'm so excited to get out there and take it on this week.

"Just excited to feet going and can't wait to play in front of a lot of Indian fans that will hopefully be out there over the next few days."

On the first tee with @McIlroyRory 🇮🇳#DPWIC pic.twitter.com/EWKfmUJQzG

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 15, 2025

Co-sanctioned with the Professional Golf Tour of India, the DP World India Championship - launched earlier this season by - features a $4 million prize fund, the largest ever offered for a DP World Tour event in India.

McIlroy, the Race to Dubai leader, is grouped alongside Ryder Cup-winning teammate Viktor Hovland and two-time PGA TOUR winner Ben Griffin over the opening two days in Delhi.

Having seen his lead at the summit of the Race to Dubai Rankings reduced by this season's three-time DP World Tour winner Marco Penge, he will aim to strengthen his pursuit of a seventh Harry Vardon Trophy with his closest pursuer not in action this week.

Confirmed to compete at the DP World Tour Play-Offs next month in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, McIlroy has further shown his drive to test his game as far and wide as possible by signing up to compete in the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne from 4-7 December early next season.

"I would say as time goes on, my schedule will get hopefully more international," he added. "Because that's what I've enjoyed doing. I've always said that.

"But I think over the last few years, I've enjoyed it even more. I've enjoyed the travel.

"I've enjoyed getting to play in front of people that I've never played in front of before."

Source: DP World Tour

Rory McIlroy on Wednesday said he wanted to "shift the narrative" away from abusive United States Ryder Cup fans and instead focus on his European team's famous victory.

The five-time major winner will compete for the first time since at the DP World India Championship starting Thursday at Delhi Golf Club.

The field includes Ryder Cup teammates Luke Donald, Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry.

Europe, captained by Donald, beat the United States last month at Bethpage Black, where McIlroy in particular was targeted by abusive and rude US fans.

"The unfortunate thing is people aren't remembering that (performance) and they are remembering the week for the wrong reason," the Northern Irishman told reporters ahead of his debut in India.

"I would like to shift the narrative and focus on how good the European team were and how proud I was to be part of that team to win an away Ryder Cup."

Donald on Tuesday said McIlroy "would make a good captain".

The 36-year-old said in response: "I would love to be the European team captain at some point.

"But that will be beyond my playing days, or at least when my playing days are coming to an end and I'm not good enough to make the team or I make way for the new generation to come along.

"Hopefully that's not in 2027."

McIlroy praised Donald's leadership in the two editions of the Ryder Cup that he has captained Europe in. They beat the Americans both times.

"I think what Luke Donald has done the last two Ryder Cups has revolutionised the captaincy within Europe," said McIlroy.

"He has 100 per cent respect of the entire team and everyone that's worked for him.

"If I can be nearly as good as a captain as Luke Donald, I'll have done a good job."

England's Marco Penge held his nerve to seal his third European Tour title of the season with a playoff victory over Daniel Brown at the Spanish Open in Madrid on Sunday.

THIRD WIN THIS SEASON! 👏

Marco Penge wins the 2025 Open de España presented by Madrid 🏆#OpenEspana pic.twitter.com/tY9det8wpp

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 12, 2025

Penge sealed victory on the first sudden-death hole, after his fellow countryman Brown had come back from five shots behind heading into the last round.

"It felt like I was really up against it, but I feel like I managed myself really well and managed to stay solid," said world number 55 Penge.

"I felt good. I was just trying to stick to the same stuff I've been doing for the last six months."

Marco Penge is bound for Royal Birkdale.

He qualifies for The 154th Open through the Open de España presented by Madrid. pic.twitter.com/bgmIh5gMRm

— The Open (@TheOpen) October 12, 2025

Penge also won the Hainan Classic and the Danish Golf Championship earlier this year in a breakthrough campaign.

The 27-year-old struggled to a two-over front nine to give playing partners Brown and Joel Girrbach hope after starting the day four strokes clear at the top of the leaderboard, but a birdie on the 12th helped him stay in front.

Brown, ranked 102nd, forced added holes with a birdie on the 18th, a short par four.

But Penge turned the tables when they played the closing hole again a few minutes later in the playoff to take the spoils.

Switzerland's Girrbach finished alone in third place on 14-under for the tournament, one shot outside the playoff.

Three-time champion and home favourite Jon Rahm delighted the crowds with a final-round 65 to finish in a tie for ninth.

The moment Marco Penge won the Open de España presented by Madrid, qualified for the 154th Open Championship and qualified for the Masters 🤩#OpenEspana pic.twitter.com/uVh0ERd6gp

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 12, 2025

South Korean Hwang You-min fired a career-best 10-under-par 62 to surge into a three-stroke lead on Thursday after 36 holes in the LPGA Lotte Championship in Hawaii.

Youmin Hwang, ladies and gentlemen 👏😤

Her score ties the 18 hole record for the @LPGALOTTE. pic.twitter.com/P4hRV6ezCY

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 3, 2025

Hwang, a 22-year-old playing on a sponsor's invitation, posted the best round in the tournament since it moved to Hoakalei Country Club four years ago, building a 15-under-par total of 129.

Youmin Hwang takes the lead heading into moving day 📦 ⬆️

FULL LEADERBOARD ⬇️ https://t.co/9keEqcGeaw

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 3, 2025

Playing in the final group off the first tee, she opened eagle-birdie and after a bogey at the fourth grabbed eight more birdies the rest of the way.

That included four in her last five holes as she powered past overnight leader Akie Iwai of Japan and American Jessica Porvasnik, who were tied for second on 132.

Iwai carded a four-under 68 and Porvasnik shot 65. They were two strokes in front of Australian Gabriela Ruffels and Japan's Nasa Hataoka, who both shot 69 for 134.

"First of all I broke my life-best score," Hwang said. "So at the same time I broke the course record, so I feel very good.

"Tee to green, especially my iron shot was perfect. I just felt right for every club I play for the second shot as well.

Akie Iwai was fighting hard to maintain her position 💪

WATCH NOW ⬇️ https://t.co/mFHxBLphDU

— LPGA (@LPGA) October 3, 2025

"My putting I thought was perfect."

Hwang is teeing it up in the event for the third time, but said she's feeling a little more pressure as she prepares to tackle LPGA Tour qualifying.

"I feel nervous, at the same time very excited," she said.

Iwai said afternoon conditions were different than those she faced in carding a Wednesday morning 64. She opened with three straight birdies and after a bogey at the fourth had just two more birdies coming in.

"I felt like a little difference, specifically on the greens," she said. "(It was) getting hard to see the line," she said.

Once again Iwai played alongside her twin sister, Chisato, who carded a 66 for a share of eighth on eight-under in a group that also included world No 2 Nelly Korda.

Korda, the highest-ranked player in the field, posted a five-under 67.

"I would say the main difference between today and yesterday was just the putts dropped," Korda said. "It was a little gustier out there today versus yesterday, so it was fun to play in, kind of show my creative side."

Louis Oosthuizen believes Aldrich Potgieter has everything he needs to win majors, and says he’s excited to see how the career of a young star who was a member of his junior academy continues to develop on the world stage.

Oosthuizen and Potgieter are both part of a healthy South African contingent competing in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at The Home of Golf in St Andrews.

And speaking at the Old Course on Tuesday, Oosthuizen gave a resounding endorsement of Potgieter’s potential.

“The good thing is he’s got everything in the game to compete in and win majors. So it’s just a matter of finding the way that’s the best for him to do it,” said the 2010 Open champion.

This week is somewhat of a reunion for the two golfers, with Potgieter having joined Oosthuizen’s Louis 57 Junior Academy as a teenager when he returned to South Africa from Australia.

LEVEL-HEADED

“The first thing I noticed about Aldrich when he joined my academy is how level-headed he was. He was just a super nice young kid. And of course an unbelievable talent. The length he hit it was just amazing as a 16- or 17-year-old when he got to the academy. I could immediately see he had massive potential.”

It wasn’t long afterwards that Potgieter became the second youngest winner of The Amateur at the age of 17 in 2022. In 2024 became the youngest winner in Korn Ferry Tour history at the age of 19 years, four month and 11 days with his triumph in The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic.

And then this year he made further history when he became the youngest South African winner on the PGA Tour with his victory in the Rocket Classic.

“Everyone is going to put pressure on him,” said Oosthuizen. “Everyone always wants someone like that to immediately come through and be a superstar, but it will take time, especially in the Majors, to find the way for him to play those. He’s just got to go through the learning curve.”

BIG DRIVES

“The young guys coming through now play the game so differently to the way I grew up playing it. Everything now is big drives. It’s difficult to compare him to anybody else.

"He’s definitely got such good control of his game and has an ability to hit a two iron past most golfers hitting driver. That gives him such a massive advantage.

“It will be very interesting to see how he moulds his game into being the best version of himself.”

TRUST YOURSELF

Potgieter said Oosthuizen’s single biggest piece of advice to him has been to just trust his own process.

“I think you have to go through some mistakes yourself to learn from it, and I think that’s kind of the biggest thing. I had a really good year on the PGA Tour this year but I had to make a lot of mistakes. I missed a lot of cuts. There’s a lot to learn with building a team and putting the right people around you.

“I think that was the biggest key for me that I had to learn from the start. But Louis has been really good to me, and I always have his number to ask for advice which is awesome.”

Michael Kim birdied the 16th and 17th and then sunk a clutch putt on Sunday to edge Elvis Smylie and Ko Jeong-Weon by a shot at the Open de France.

Kim, a 32-year-old American, pulled ahead at Saint-Nom-La-Breteche near Paris with his two late birdies.

🏆😀@Mike_kim714 gets his hands on the trophy, well played Michael 🤝#FedExOpenDeFrance pic.twitter.com/rxnfV5n1Na

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 21, 2025

He found a bunker on the last but chipped onto the green and holed from five metres to save par.

That sealed Kim's long-awaited win and deprived the home crowd of the chance of seeing Frenchman Ko in a playoff.

Kim started the day one shot off joint third-round leaders Brooks Koepka and Min-Woo Lee with Ko and Smylie one further back.

Ko eagled the 17th and then headed into the club house tied for the lead with Smiley after both shot 65s.

Neither the former world No 1 Koepka nor Lee could respond to that closing spurt.

The American went out in four under but came home in one over par, for a 68. Australian Lee had three bogeys on the back nine for a 69.

Kim picked up two strokes on the last three and held his nerve on his way to a 65 and a 16-under four-round total. It was enough for his first European title and his first anywhere in seven years.

Hear from @Mike_kim714 as he clinches victory here in Paris 🗣️#FedExOpenDeFrance pic.twitter.com/QYw3dSlkEU

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 21, 2025

"It feels amazing. I haven't won a tournament since 2018 at the John Deere Classic," he said.

"I've had a really good year on the PGA Tour this year. This feels like the perfect cherry on top and I hope to continue this throughout my career."

Min Woo Lee and Brooks Koepka go into the final round tied for the lead on 11 under par at the 2025 FedEx Open de France.

The pair reeled in the long-time leader, Lee's playing partner Marcus Armitage, on the back nine on Saturday - Koepka shining with a run of five successive birdies on the difficult stretch from the 13th.

Lee carded a second successive 68 to stay alongside the American and one ahead of Armitage, who shot a level-par 71 and was joined in third by Michael Kim and Guido Migliozzi after their rounds of 66.

Armitage's overnight two-shot lead briefly swelled to four with a birdie at the second after Lee and Jeff Winther, the third member of the final group, both bogeyed the first - but Lee bounced back with a brilliant 37-foot birdie putt at the third where a bogey left Armitage back where he started.

A birdie at the next took the Englishman three ahead and he matched Lee's three at the fifth after another fine putt from 18 feet by the Australian.

Lee birdied the sixth and, after a quiet end to the pair's front nine, picked up another at the tenth to move within one shot.

Kim and Migliozzi were sharing third by that point after both reaching four under through 13 holes and nine under for the tournament, and they soon had company as five-time Major Champion Koepka matched both marks.

Koepka and Migliozzi both birdied the next as well to move to ten under but two holes behind them, the tournament lead changed hands for the first time since early on Thursday as Armitage bogeyed the 13th while Lee spun a superb approach to tap-in range for a birdie.

Koepka was not finished there, though, holing from seven feet at the 16th and hitting his approach at the next to three feet to make it five birdies in a row.

That took him to 12 under and though he bogeyed the last, his 65 was enough for a share of the 54-hole lead.

"Yeah, it was pretty good," said Koepka. "Putted a lot better.

"I feel like my game has been trending in the right direction. It's just the results haven't been there. I'm pleased with the work I've put in over the last few months so hopefully got a chance to win tomorrow.

"I've felt very uncomfortable over the putts pretty much all year, just a little bit of hand position. We've got it sorted now where I feel like I'm striking the putts very well, hitting them on line and feeling confident and that's honestly half the battle."

Lee said: "Just pretty solid again, I didn't do anything spectacular in the back nine, just hung in there.

"You can really get away with the moment - you've just got to keep hitting shots and keep mentally strong. You've just got to keep going until the end."

Armitage was proud to remain firmly in contention for the title despite not making a birdie after the fifth hole on Saturday.

"I was sort of at 50 per cent of what I can do and I've still got a shout going into tomorrow," he said. "It's a shame I couldn't pull off few birdies on the back nine but I just wasn't driving it well enough.

"You've just got to keep grinding, even though you feel like you're not playing well, just keep telling yourself you're still in it.

"I'm a quality player, I've got to keep reminding myself of that. That's the reason I'm stood here now and in contention and I've got to go out there with that attitude."

On a tightly packed leaderboard, France's Jeong weon Ko was alongside Australian Elvis Smylie on nine under with Freddy Schott and Darius van Driel a further shot back.

Mikael Lindberg, Todd Clements and Antoine Rozner at seven under rounded out a dozen players covered by four shots at the head of the field.

© www.europeantour.com

Ryder Cup vice-captain Alex Noren upstaged Team Europe's players to snatch a play-off victory in the PGA Championship at Wentworth on Sunday

The Swede went into the final round tied for the lead with France's Adrien Saddier and the pair were still locked together at 19-under after matching 68s.

Alex Noren wins his second BMW PGA Championship 🏆

It's two victories in 21 days. #BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/CxcWK97imG

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 14, 2025

After both men sent their second shots into the rough at the first extra hole, they were neck and neck once again.

But the in-form Noren, who won his first crown at Wentworth Club in 2017, lifted his ball to three feet before tapping in a birdie putt to claim his 12th European title and second of the season.

Sweden's most successful player on the DP World Tour 🇸🇪#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/MofNMpiC2i

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 14, 2025

Noren, one of the non-playing vice-captains in Luke Donald's European Ryder Cup team, outshone all 11 of the 12 golfers who will be representing Europe at the tournament in the United States later this month.

But he said it had been a struggle on Sunday.

"You've just got to fight. Sometimes it comes too easy and sometimes you've just got to fight and today it felt like a fight," he said.

"I think he probably outplayed me tee-to-green. But that's how it goes."

"I was extremely happy to make par."

A key moment in Alex Noren's back nine on his way to victory. #BMWPGA | #RolexSeries https://t.co/JZIAX1kFd7 pic.twitter.com/Y36QTtD0b8

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 14, 2025

England's Aaron Rai was tied for third with Patrick Reed after they both carded final-round 66s while European Ryder Cup trio Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland all ended on 15 under.

Adding to an encouraging week for Team Europe, Jon Rahm moved to a share of 13th with a six-under 66, while Rory McIlroy jumped inside the top 20 after closing a final-round 65 with a stunning long-range eagle.

Earlier, Noren made two early birdies in his fourth round to go two shots clear but he dropped a shot on the fifth hole and just one shot separated the players at the turn.

Every Alex Noren shot from the play-off 🎥#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/HAlNwDgVng

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 14, 2025

Saddier made a lightning-quick start to the back nine, picking up three birdies in five holes, while Noren made back-to-back gains on the 12th and 13th before saving par in spectacular fashion at the 14th.

There was drama still to come as Saddier's tee-shot at the 15th landed in a spectator's hood instead of potentially going out of bounds, and he took full advantage of his lucky break by saving par there.

As the rain lashed down, the two players remained neck and neck with birdies at the 17th and both men parred the last.

But Noren came out on top on the first hole of the play-off, emerging triumphant just weeks after winning the British Masters.

The European Ryder Cup team will reassemble in New York to face the United States from September 26 to 28, seeking to defend the title they won in Rome in 2023.

Alex Noren and Adrien Saddier share a two-shot lead heading into Sunday's final day of the European Tour PGA Championship, but a number of Europe's Ryder Cup team remain in contention.

Alex Noren at his very best at Wentworth 🎥#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/jGpifNnFC3

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 13, 2025

Sweden's Noren picked up three shots in his final two holes to move to 15 under par thanks to a six-under round of 66.

Frenchman Saddier went one shot better in the blustery Saturday conditions, carding eight birdies among his 65.

Tyrrell Hatton leads the charge of the Ryder Cup stars at 13 under par after a flawless 64 for the best round of the day.

"I'm excited for tomorrow," said Hatton. "I'll go out there tomorrow and give it my best, and hopefully it will be a good day."

The conditions were notably difficult for the later starters, but Viktor Hovland stayed in the mix at 12 under par.

Hovland began strongly with three birdies in four holes to move into the lead, but his good work was soon undone.

Successive bogeys before the turn were followed by a seven on the par-five 12th.

The Surrey heath takes another victim 👀

Viktor Hovland was forced to take an unplayable after this lie at the 8th.#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/bKZwNKR5MG

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 13, 2025

The Norwegian got back on track with a birdie at the 18th to card a 71.

"It's a great golf course, obviously a lot of history here, and I'd like to put my name on that trophy," said Hovland.

Another two of the European team hoping to defend the Ryder Cup on US soil for the first time since 2012 later this month, Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, are in contention at 10 under par.

Overnight leader Hideki Matsuyama and Justin Rose were among those to fall back after rounds of 76.

Rose sits alongside Ryder Cup teammates Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry at seven under par, two shots ahead of Rory McIlroy.

How it stands with 18 holes to play 📊#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/to9jdV4uLB

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 13, 2025

Hideki Matsuyama leads European Ryder Cup trio Justin Rose, Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland by one shot at the halfway point of the DP World Tour PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The Japanese carded a brilliant eight-under par second round of 64 that included two eagles and five birdies to lead at 12 under par for the tournament.

Rose and Hovland, who eagled the 18th for the second day running, followed their opening-round scores of 67 with a 66, while Aberg carded a 69 despite bogeying the 17th.

"It's my first time playing Wentworth. I wasn't expecting that I would play this good, so I'm very happy with my round today," said former Masters champion Matsuyama.

The form of Rose, Hovland and Aberg is a boost to their Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, just two weeks before Europe attempt to defend the trophy at the Bethpage Black course in suburban New York.

"I've always said it's a bucket list event for me. I can't deny it or hide from it," said Englishman Rose at the prospect of winning on home soil.

"I've got a great weekend ahead of me. More choppy weather coming so it's going to be little bit see what happens. But I'm feeling comfortable. You've got to stay aggressive. Hammer down."

CLOSE ONE FOR RORY

Rory McIlroy was in danger of missing the cut after bogeys at three of his opening five holes.

A run of five birdies in seven holes around the turn ensured the Northern Irishman did make the weekend, but a double bogey at the par-five 18th left McIlroy nine shots off the lead.

Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard was the only member of the 11 European Ryder Cup players in attendance to miss the cut.

Matt Fitzpatrick is at seven under, two shots ahead of Tyrrell Hatton.

Jon Rahm is a further shot back at four under, with Shane Lowry alongside close friend McIlroy at three under.

Recently-crowned PGA Tour Championship winner Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre are 10 shots off the lead at two under par.

Rory McIlroy ended the opening day of the DP World (European) Tour PGA Championship five shots off the lead after finding water on the last hole at a rainswept Wentworth on Thursday.

The world No 2, fresh from his thrilling play-off win in the Irish Open last weekend, is set to be a key figure when Europe defend their Ryder Cup title against the United States at the Bethpage Black course in suburban New York later this month.

It looked as if the Northern Irishman was carrying on from where he left off at the K Club after his first tournament win since completing a career Grand Slam of major titles at the US Masters in April.

McIlroy chipped in for a birdie on the first hole at a tournament he won in 2014 before recording three runner-up finishes in his last five visits.

A second birdie followed at the par-five fourth only for McIlroy to bogey the subsequent par three.

But birdies on the 10th, 12th and 16th strengthened his position only for McIlroy's approach at the concluding par-five 18th to find the water.

The 36-year-old McIlroy was forced to settle for a bogey and a three-under-par 69 as he completed his first round in near darkness at 7:30 pm local time (1830 GMT) following a rain delay of some 90 minutes midway through the afternoon's play.

Ten groups will have to complete their opening rounds on Friday morning.

Sweden's Ludvig Aberg – a captain's pick by Europe skipper Luke Donald for the Ryder Cup – and France's Tom Vaillant share the overnight lead after they both shot eight-under-par 64s.

"I felt like once I got on the greens, I was rolling the putter really nice and tried to be aggressive with the speed," said Aberg. "I managed to make a lot of putts, which is nice."

South Africa's Casey Jarvis is alone in third place following a seven-under 65.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick, another of Donald's six selections, is just two back after a six-under 66, with Ryder Cup veteran Justin Rose a shot further adrift following a bogey-free 67.

Shane Lowry carded five birdies in his final seven holes to join Rose on five-under par, with 11 of Europe's 12 Ryder Cup players involved in the first round at Wentworth, southwest of London.

DP World Tour champions Thriston Lawrence and Dylan Naidoo will join an already strong South African contingent for this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club from 4-7 December, 2025.

The duo adds to a South African challenge that includes PGA TOUR winner Aldrich Potgieter, multiple DP World Tour champion Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Sunshine Tour Courier Guy Order of Merit champion Daniel van Tonder.

With Lawrence, Potgieter and Bezuidenhout in the field, this year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge currently has South Africa’s top three golfers within the top 75 on the Official World Golf Ranking in action at the Gary Player Country Club.

The 28-year-old Lawrence will return to Sun City this December having recently claimed the fifth DP World Tour victory of his career.

This will be Lawrence’s fourth appearance in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. He finished inside the top 15 in two of his last three appearances, and on his debut in 2022 he was one shot off the lead going into the final round before finishing tied 13th.

“This tournament is very special to me and I’m really looking forward to playing in front of our home fans and joining my fellow South Africans in hopefully claiming a home victory,” said Lawrence.

Naidoo will make his debut in the Nedbank Golf Challenge as the reigning Investec South African Open champion. The 27-year-old broke through with his maiden DP World Tour victory in his national Open in March this year, and is looking forward to taking his place in this illustrious field.

“Winning my national Open was a life-changing moment for me and it’s opened up so many doors, one of which is a place in the Nedbank Golf Challenge. As a young South African golfer, you grow up dreaming of winning your national Open, and then playing in and hopefully one day winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge. I can’t wait to experience a tournament that has been such a big part of South African golf history,” said Naidoo.

This year’s Nedbank Golf Challenge will once again feature the popular Hospitali-TEE Lounge, offering an unrivalled viewing experience for fans.

The Hospitali-TEE Lounge offers access to the day’s golf, an unlimited premium bar and buffet, a Nedbank Golf Challenge merchandise voucher, a seat on the VIP grandstand at the 18th green, a photo opportunity with the trophy, live entertainment, daily prizes and a player autograph opportunity.

This enhanced fan experience is centrally located close to the public village, with an air-conditioned facility that brings the best of the Nedbank Golf Challenge to the comfort of the Lounge with indoor and outdoor seating and a live TV feed of the golf.

On the 72nd hole of regulation play at The K Club in Straffan, County Kildare, Rory McIlroy was trailing by two shots.

With everything on the line, he drained a 28-foot eagle putt — a clutch, curling shot that electrified the crowd and forced a playoff against Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren.

What followed that putt was one of the loudest roars ever heard in golf - just have a listen for yourself...

The win was McIlroy’s second Irish Open title, coming nine years after his first in 2016 and just months after completing his career Grand Slam at the Masters.

He described the experience as “an incredible homecoming” and said, “Moments like this are the ones you remember after your career is over.”

The best feeling in the world.#AmgenIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/OknY1mCXa6

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 7, 2025

Rory McIlroy won the Irish Open in a thrilling playoff against Joakim Lagergren on Sunday for his first tournament triumph since his Masters success in April.

World No 2 McIlroy had to eagle the 72nd hole just to force a playoff after Lagergren's own remarkable eagle at the 16th at the K Club near Dublin.

RORY MCILROY!!!! ☘️#AmgenIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/dXPul6ujk5

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 7, 2025

After the first two additional holes were tied in birdie fours, Sweden's Lagergren found the water third time around to allow McIlroy to win with two putts.

"I just feel so lucky that I get to do this in front of these people," said McIlroy. "The support has been amazing all week. So happy I could play the way I did this week and get the win."

Lagergren added: "This is a tough one to swallow. I really thought I had that out there today. Obviously posting minus 17 going into the clubhouse, could have been enough.

"I played really good in the play-off as well. Hit a solid 5-iron down on the last play, but it got a horrendous bounce. It's a metre from being dead to the hole. So it's tough."

McIlroy 🤝 Lagergren

A great final round at the Irish Open thanks to these two 👏#AmgenIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/SH0PGnVF2G

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 7, 2025

Victory gave Northern Ireland's McIlroy his second Irish Open title nine years after his first.

The 36-year-old became just the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam of major titles following his Masters triumph at Augusta National.

Poppy's smile 🥹#AmgenIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/7D9Tg8FMnn

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 7, 2025

McIlroy is warming up for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black later this month, when he will be leading Europe's defence of the trophy they won against the United States in Rome two years ago.

"To do what I did earlier in the year and then to come home and win my national Open, no matter what happens for the rest of the year, that's a pretty cool year -– 2025's going to be one of the best, if not the best, of my career," said McIlroy.

"But we're not finished yet, I've got a big week next week at Wentworth (BMW PGA Championship) and then obviously everybody's looking forward to the Ryder Cup."

Rory McIlroy remained in contention for his first tournament triumph since the US Masters after a bogey-free 68 on Saturday left him four shots off the lead heading into the final round of the Irish Open.

McIlroy, who completed a career Grand Slam of major titles at Augusta National in April, carded four birdies to stay in touch with France's Adrien Saddier, who also posted a round of 68 at the par 72, 7,441-yard, K Club course near Dublin.

Italian Open champion Saddier led by a shot from Angel Hidalgo, who carded 12 birdies in a superb nine-under round of 63 that catapulted the Spaniard into title contention.

Frenchman Adrien Saddier will take a one-shot lead going into tomorrow's final round. #AmgenIrishOpen

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 6, 2025

Another Spaniard, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia fired a 67 to sit three shots off the pace, but overnight leader Joakim Lagergren slipped to four back with a round 73.

McIlroy, bidding to win his second Irish Open title, was unhappy despite a second consecutive round without a bogey.

"As I was walking off the 18th green, I said to Harry (Diamond, his caddie), this is probably the most frustrating four-under par round of golf I've played in a while," said the Northern Irishman.

The 36-year-old McIlroy, the world number two added: "I feel like all day I was just trying to keep myself in a close position to the lead. I feel like I could be a couple of shots better, but overall I'm still in a decent position going into tomorrow."

An elated Hidalgo, who equalled a European Tour record by becoming the 12th player to card 12 birdies in a single round, said: "I really feel for a few moments I was playing the PlayStation, to be honest. Every single shot was directly to the pin."

The 33-year-old Saddier, playing in the final group after starting the day one shot behind Lagergren, mixed seven birdies with three bogeys.

"I was quite surprised with the score to be honest," said Saddier. "But I think, yeah, I managed the course pretty well, with my low moments and my high moments. So I feel happy about that 68."

Saddier, who led after two rounds of last week's European Masters in Switzerland before fading, added: "There is still 18 holes to play, so a lot of things can happen. As I said yesterday, I crushed myself last weekend."

Rory McIlroy carded a bogey-free 66 in the second round of the Irish Open at the K Club on Friday to move into a tie for third-place at seven under-par.

Scores at the halfway stage 🇮🇪#AmgenIrishOpen

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 5, 2025

The five-time major winner cut a frustrated figure in the first round after his group were given a slow play warning in County Kildare.

But he appeared happier on Friday, with McIlroy five shots behind leader Joakim Lagergren, who posted an outstanding round of 62.

Rory McIlroy nearly pitches it in the hole for albatross 🤯#AmgenIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/eHlkDVPT5o

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 5, 2025

"It was good," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "I felt like I hit the ball pretty similarly to yesterday, maybe give myself a few more chances with the approach shots.

"I didn't make a bogey, which was nice, a couple of nice par saves on the back nines and finished well with a couple of birdies."

The Northern Irishman added: "I'm really pleased with the day's work and it keeps me within touching distance going into the weekend."

Sweden's Lagergren leads by one stroke from France's Adrien Saddier, with McIlroy saying: "The two boys are ahead of the pack, but I feel like I'm close enough that if I have a good weekend, I can chase them down."

10-under and the solo leader 📈#AmgenIrishOpen https://t.co/khcAkVAyzV pic.twitter.com/IOM5U2apPg

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 5, 2025

Lagergren, meanwhile, said: "I played really well. My putter was very hot, I holed a lot of putts today. I didn't really have my A-game yesterday. I worked with my coach and obviously found something.

"This course is really tricky. I can't really dream of shooting 10 under at the K Club."