Tommy Fleetwood has revealed his disappointment with being called out for ‘gamesmanship’ at the Abu Dhabi Championship.
The 34-year-old was beaten by fellow Englishman Aaron Rai in a play-off at Yas Links on Sunday.
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Fleetwood has responded to accusations of gamesmanship in Abu DhabiCredit: Getty
Shortly before their respective bids to win the tournament, with Rai putting a birdie for glory, Fleetwood was criticised for his behaviour.
He seemed to make his opponent wait at the 18th tee, with Andrew Coltart suggesting he would gain an advantage on Sky Sports.
Wayne Riley on the other hand said it was ‘clever’, but Fleetwood has been keen to dismiss any hint of gamesmanship.
“I did see the comments, actually, just before,” he said, as quoted bunkered.
“I don’t know in what context it was said. I didn’t hear it. I read it.
“Either way, if there’s a certain side of journalism where it’s conveyed, I feel like it’s disappointing.”
“Not to Andrew,” he replied when asked if he had any issues with the comments. “I think very highly of him. I think he’s amazing.
“I’ve read one little piece and I’m not going to accuse anybody of meaning anything by it. I’m just saying from my point of view.
“I had just played with Aaron for 36 holes, we are unbelievably close and unbelievably supportive of each other in our careers.”
“We walked off the 18th and I was desperate to go to the toilet,” he then explained.
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Fleetwood explained why he was late to the teeCredit: Getty
“I said to Miguel [Viador, tournament director], ‘Can I please go to the toilet?’ He said, ‘Yes’. I ran to the toilet; ran to the tee.
“I think everybody knows or I would hope that everybody knows that I wouldn’t do anything like that, and I think the world of Aaron, as well.”
What next for Fleetwood?
The Abu Dhabi Championship was the penultimate event of the 2025 European Tour.
Fleetwood won the inaugural World India Championship last month and is tenth in the overall rankings, with Rory McIlroy sitting top.
He will compete at the World Tour Championship in Dubai this week and is due to tee off with Rai at 8am UK time on Thursday.
“This is the last event I’m going to play this year. It has been a great year,” he said. “So yeah, this will be an amazing way to finish, for sure.
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Fleetwood is eyeing his final piece of success for 2025 in Dubai this weekCredit: AFP
“My whole family are here. Lots of familiar faces, a course that I know well, and I live very, very close.
“Again, it would be very special to be on the 18th green having won. I’ve probably had a couple of chances in this tournament over the years.
“I’d like to do a bit better than that. I’d like to present myself with a few more chances. I can clearly see that image in my head.
“I know it so well. We’ll strive for that and see what we can do.
“I think it’s turning into and already is quite an iconic course for us now on the Tour. Nice for me to be in my own bed again.”