Staff WriterMichael Kim came out swinging at Jumeirah Golf Estates, firing an electrifying eight-under-par 64 to take the first-round lead at the 2025 DP World Tour Championship.
The American, already a winner this season at the FedEx Open de France, surged clear with a ruthless burst of birdies on the back nine to edge ahead of home favourite Tommy Fleetwood by one shot.
Playing in his first appearance at the season-ending showpiece, Michael Kim looked every bit the seasoned contender. He started steadily, carding three birdies on the front nine before igniting the Earth Course after the turn — rolling in five birdies in six holes from the tenth. It was precision golf from tee to green; Kim hit inside ten feet on 11 occasions, leaving the field chasing shadows.
“Just had everything going,” Kim said after his round. “Drove it in the fairway enough times, and I hit my irons really great, and was able to roll some putts in. My coach, Sean and I, worked a quick FaceTime session on Monday night, I guess, and worked really well. Happy to hit that many inside ten feet.”
That video call clearly did the trick. Kim, who’s made no secret of his love for the global nature of the DP World Tour, added: “We get to go to fantastic different countries. The PGA TOUR mostly sticks inside the United States, which is great, but coming to places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, France, and even India I went to. I personally really enjoy the travel. The competition is still great, and I thoroughly enjoy my time here.”
Behind Kim, Tommy Fleetwood continued his scorching form with a seven-under 65 that reminded everyone why he’s been one of the most consistent players on the planet this season.
The Dubai resident has already captured his first PGA TOUR title, played a starring role in Europe’s stunning away Ryder Cup victory at Bethpage Black, and lifted the DP World India Championship in recent months.
“I feel like it was a really good day,” Fleetwood said. “I didn’t think it was that easy. There are some really demanding shots on that back nine, and I felt like I got into a really good rhythm. Drove it, like, as good as I’ve drove it all year. It was a really good driving day.”
Rory McIlroy sits one shot further back at six under, tied for third with Thriston Lawrence and Andy Sullivan, as he continues his march toward a seventh Race to Dubai crown.
The World No. 2 looked sharp early, stringing together three straight birdies and peppering pins with confident wedge play.
“Got off to the perfect start, making three birdies in a row,” McIlroy said. “Yeah, I felt like that was probably one of the best sort of approach play rounds I’ve had in a long time. My wedge play felt really sharp. Had a lot of good iron shots. I feel like I don’t want to sound like I’m that disappointed but I feel like I left a few out there.”
McIlroy, who has dominated the Earth Course in recent years, remains the man to beat in the season-long rankings. “Overall, it was a really solid start on a golf course that I’m very comfortable on and historically I’ve played very well on,” he added. “I definitely feel like I’ve made big strides in those two departments (wedge play and putting) over the last few years.”
As for those trying to chase him down, it wasn’t the start they needed. Marco Penge struggled to a 74, while Tyrrell Hatton carded a 70 to sit level-par — both needing a miracle run to unseat McIlroy at the top of the standings.
After one round, the leaderboard reads like a who’s who of modern golf. Michael Kim holds the early advantage, but with Fleetwood and McIlroy lurking, and the Earth Course ready to bite back, this DP World Tour Championship is shaping up for a classic Dubai finish.
