Tommy Fleetwood blasted for behaviour during £1.1m play-off round

Aaron Rai defeated Tommy Fleetwood in a sudden-death playoff to win the Abu Dhabi Championship and a commentator didn’t take kindly to one act made by the Ryder Cup winner

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Tommy Fleetwood was defeated at the Abu Dhabi Championship(Image: Getty)

Tommy Fleetwood’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has secured his maiden TOUR Championship triumph alongside a Ryder Cup victory.

But Fleetwood narrowly missed out on glory to Aaron Rai at the Abu Dhabi Championship, with both players locked at 25-under heading into a dramatic play-off. Rai sealed his third DP World Tour title with a seven-foot birdie at the opening play-off hole, whilst Fleetwood could only manage par, ending a five-year drought with his wife playing a “huge” part.

Yet moments before the gripping finale, Fleetwood kept Rai waiting at the 18th tee, prompting criticism from TV pundit and former European Tour professional Andrew Coltart.

“This is what I don’t like,” said Coltart. “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.”

Fellow commentator David Howell responded to this criticism. He added: “I know what you mean, the right thing to do would be to arrive together.”

Wayne Riley, a former professional golfer and television commentator, then chimed in. He said: “Tommy is just slowing it all down, a little gamesmanship, clever. Making him wait, stew.”

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The commentary team had their say on Fleetwood’s antics(Image: Getty)

Rai pocketed £1.52million following his triumph in Abu Dhabi, his second Rolex Series victory after claiming the Scottish Open in 2020. Despite missing a birdie putt on the 18th that would have sealed victory outright, he eventually emerged victorious.

“It’s hard to sum up [my emotions],” said the 30-year-old. “You’re so focused on playing the round and staying in the zone, it’s hard to put into words at the moment how it feels. It is amazing to be stood here.

“Tommy is a phenomenal player and an even better person. To play with him the last two days was really special. It’s amazing to be here.”

Rai’s opponent also praised his performance throughout the tournament. Fleetwood added: “I think it was a really good day of patience for me.

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Rai claimed the top prize(Image: Getty)

“There was a lot of good scores out there and you’re playing with Aaron who played phenomenally well. He was unbelievable today in every department.

“Yeah, I think, look, I was bogey-free but only 3-under playing 16 which is a decent round of golf. I actually felt it felt pretty tough like on 14, 15, 16, 17, even 18, in the wind, greens are getting a bit crustier.

“Felt like I was playing well. Was sort of falling short of the guys that were doing great. But a really big finish, so happy with that, and yeah, a good day.”