Aaron Rai Scores Albatross, Ties for Lead with Tommy Fleetwood at Abu Dhabi Championship
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Aaron Rai made an extraordinary albatross by holing out from 214 yards during his bogey-free 8-under 64 round. This performance tied him for the lead with fellow English golfer Tommy Fleetwood after the second round of the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.
Rai’s remarkable shot came on the par-5 No. 2 hole at Yas Links Golf Club, where his second shot landed just a few yards onto the green before rolling into the cup.
“You couldn’t see it from the back of the fairway, so it was a nice surprise,” said Rai, who began the round two strokes behind the lead at the penultimate event of the 2025 European Tour season.
Tommy Fleetwood Matches Rai’s Score to Share Lead
Tommy Fleetwood, champion in 2017 and 2018, joined Rai at the top after shooting a 66. He started strong with birdies on each of his first three holes, bringing his total to 14 under par for the tournament.
“I’m having a lot of good rounds,” Fleetwood said about his late-season form, which includes being the leading scorer for Europe in the Ryder Cup last September and winning the India Championship recently. “But I’m not stupid, and it’s bitten me enough times.”
Chasing the Leaders
- Three players—Andy Sullivan (67), Nicolai Højgaard (67), and Richard Sterne (68)—were two shots behind at 12 under.
- Shane Lowry followed a stroke further back after a 69 round.
- World number two Rory McIlroy shot another 68, standing at 8 under overall, six strokes behind the leaders.
Rai’s spectacular albatross and Fleetwood’s consistent play set up a thrilling weekend ahead at the Abu Dhabi Championship.
Summary: Aaron Rai’s rare albatross shot helped him share the Abu Dhabi Championship lead with Tommy Fleetwood, both at 14 under after two rounds, setting the stage for an intense finale.