Michael Kim lit up the back nine at Jumeirah Golf Estates to grab a one-shot lead after a scorching opening 64 at the 2025 DP World Tour Championship.
The FedEx Open de France champion made three birdies on the front nine before turning on the afterburners coming home, reeling off five birdies in six holes from the 10th to post the early clubhouse target of eight under par.
Not even a stacked afternoon wave could catch him. Dubai resident Tommy Fleetwood came closest, signing for a superb seven-under 65 to continue the blistering form that has defined his last three months — winning his first PGA TOUR title en route to the FedExCup, starring in Europe’s historic Ryder Cup win at Bethpage Black, and lifting the DP World India Championship.
Fleetwood, who lost a dramatic play-off to Aaron Rai at last week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, sits one stroke back. Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy is a shot further behind at six under, tied for third with Thriston Lawrence and Andy Sullivan.
Kim’s irons dialled in
Making his debut at the Tour’s season finale, Kim put on a ball-striking masterclass, knocking 11 approach shots inside ten feet to give himself a steady supply of birdie looks.
He kick-started his round with a tap-in birdie at the par-5 second, added another at the fourth, and rolled in a seven-footer at the seventh to turn in 33.
The back nine was even better. Kim rattled off birdies at 10, 11 and 12, and then holed from seven feet at the 14th to reach seven under. Even a wild tee shot at the 15th couldn’t slow him down — he carved a sensational recovery from the sand and trees to five feet for an improbable birdie.
Kim closed with three pars but left the course thrilled with how everything clicked.
“Just had everything going,” he said. “I drove it in the fairway enough, hit my irons great, and rolled in some putts. My coach Sean and I had a quick FaceTime session Monday night — it worked really well. Happy to hit that many inside ten feet.”
Loving life on Tour
Kim also praised the global flavour of the DP World Tour after strong results this season.
“Coming to places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, France and India — I personally really enjoy the travel,” he added. “The competition is great, and I thoroughly enjoy my time here.”
