Sporting successes stories are often so far from the fairytales we are sold as children, but when Tommy Fleetwood embraced his young son Frankie on the 18th green at New Delhi Golf Club, it served as a timely reminder that, sometimes, those who work hard get their happy ending.

Tommy Fleetwood etched another chapter into his best ever season on Sunday, as he posted a scintillating -22 under par to claim victory at the DP World India Championship.

The Southport-born golfer started the final day two strokes behind leader Keita Nakajima, but eight birdies surged Fleetwood to a field-low -7 under par 65 to win comfortably by two strokes.

In a career that had been defined by near misses and fine margins, 2025 has marked the year Fleetwood, 34, finally broke his losing streak and won a PGA Tour event, cementing himself amongst the world’s best golfers.

In the month after his widely celebrated FedEx Cup win, the Englishman played an integral part in Team Europe’s famous away Ryder Cup triumph in September.

Now after a second victory of the season, his Official World Golf Ranking has risen to number five, the highest it’s been in his career.

It wasn’t an easy ride for Fleetwood in India, and that was mainly down to the world-class field he had to fight off.

He beat some of the modern-day greats including grand slam winner Rory McIlroy and 2019 Open champion Shane Lowry on his way to victory, vindicating a season in which he has delivered in the big moments.

“There’s been plenty of times when things haven’t gone my way,” the 34 year old said.

“But the last two tournaments I have been in contention in I have won, so maybe things are starting to even out a little bit.”

Speaking after his winning putt, the fan-favourite was humble in his success, and quick to congratulate his playing partner, Nakajima, for a competitive round:

“Another win, feels great!

“It was such an enjoyable round, and Keita, I have to give him credit. I said to him afterwards that he played amazing. He was a pleasure to play against today.”

Perhaps even more sweet than the victory itself was the special spectator in the crowd who was there to witness it- his eight-year-old son Frankie:

“I think we were playing golf together, and he just said randomly ‘Do you know what you’ve never done? You’ve never won a tournament and I’ve been able to run on onto the 18th green’.

“I had that written down all week, there’s going to be many more times where I hopefully get the chance to do that, but all day today, I had in my mind, could I put myself into a position where I can actually make that moment happen?

“It’s just one of those little things, it means a lot to me. It means so much to me. That’s what I wanted to do all day.”

Fleetwood will look to continue his winning form into the new year, where he could become a major champion for the first time ever in his hometown of Southport.

The Royal Birkdale Golf Club hosts the 154th Open championship in July, and all eyes will be on the local hero competing for glory.

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