The opening round of the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club delivered more than just birdies and bogeys on Thursday. While players struggled to maintain their momentum on what Rory McIlroy branded as a “tricky” course, it served up a moment of unexpected levity that had players and fans chuckling through the heat.
Just as Tommy Fleetwood was preparing to putt on the green at the par-5 18th hole, a collared four-legged visitor trotted onto the fairway. The indie dog neared Fleetwood, prompting one of the tournament officials to give chase.
The crowd and players erupted in laughter as the dog darted away, tail wagging and completely unfazed by the commotion.
As the post went viral over social media, fans had a good laugh. One user on X posted, “dogs on the course are pretty common in India,” while others praised the moment for breaking the tension on a sweltering Thursday afternoon.
Amid all the fun moments, Lowry was all business. The Irishman fired a bogey-free 8-under 64, grabbing the solo lead after a blistering back nine that included five straight birdies and the last one on the 18th hole to make it six by the end of the day.
“I feel like this type of golf course suits me,” Lowry told reporters during his press conference. “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 of that, and I did that today. Hopefully, I can keep doing that for the rest of the week.”
McIlroy, on the other hand, finished scoring a total of 3-under, 64, finishing the round in the top 20. One of McIlroy’s standout shots came from deep in the woods, near a jungle-like patch, where he kept his momentum alive at 4-under.
His Ryder Cup teammate Fleetwood also impressed, shooting 4-under 68 to tie for 7th, alongside Brian Harman, Ben Griffin and Luke Donald.
Adding a cultural twist to the week, Viktor Hovland was spotted exploring Chandni Chowk in a rickshaw (a three-wheeler vehicle used by the locals), Old Delhi’s historic marketplace known for its centuries-old architecture and gullies.
Not only this, but fascinated by the sundials and time-telling monuments inside the course, Hovland reportedly skipped swing practice to soak in the heritage.
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