Many golf enthusiasts admire Tommy Fleetwood for his humility and composure in intense situations. After nearly missing the 2025 Travelers Championship, the Englishman spoke openly to the media. Even after winning his first PGA Tour title at the 2025 FedExCup, he said, “Be a good person first.” Still, a player known for his strong reputation faced accusations of gamesmanship after coming close to losing at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Championship.

Sports journalist Andrew Coltart said, “Tommy is just slowing it all down, a little gamesmanship, clever. Making him wait, stew.” Finally, Fleetwood has opened up about the accusations at a media conference at the DP World Tour Championship: “I did see the comments, actually, just before. It’s one of those things, I don’t know — look, you don’t know in what context it was said. I didn’t hear it. I read 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 in each other in our careers. I was desperate for the toilet, and then as soon as I was finished, I ran to the tee and that was how it happened.”

Tommy Fleetwood and fellow Englishman Aaron Rai were going neck to neck in the last round at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Both played well to finish 25 under par. After the tie, they were to play the sudden-death playoff according to the DP World Tour playoff format and rules. However, spectators saw only Rai on the 18th hole. Fleetwood came a little later.

That’s when the accusations rose. Coltart speculated that Tommy Fleetwood was late intentionally to disrupt the competitor’s rhythm. But as Fleetwood clarified, he just had to pee. “So yeah, you know, I think everybody knows that I — or I would hope that everybody knows that I wouldn’t do anything like that, and I think the world of Aaron, as well. So no, I don’t know how it was written. It’s hard to comment on something or defend yourself on something that you to the extent know in what form it was said or written. But like I said, that’s what happened. We walked off the 18th and I was desperate to go to the toilet, I said to Miguel, ‘Can I please go to the toilet?’ He said yes. I ran to the toilet; ran to the tee,” Fleetwood said.

Although the speculations put him in the wrong light, Fleetwood didn’t have anything false to say about Andrew Coltart. Instead, he said that he thinks highly of the former pro golfer and his work as an analyst and commentator. The 8x DP World Tour winner admitted he doesn’t fully understand the situation. And since he isn’t aware of the context in which Coltart said it, he didn’t make any negative comments. Therefore, he wanted to refrain from making any remarks about something he was not clear about.

While golf analysts made speculations about Fleetwood’s late arrival, his competitor, Aaron Rai, only had good things to say about the fellow Englishman after his victory.

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Aaron Rai praised Tommy Fleetwood and his character after the victory

Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai locked horns in the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship playoff. After the playoff, Aaron Rai made a point of highlighting Fleetwood’s positive character. “But it’s just amazing to be stood here. Tommy is a phenomenal player. He’s an even better person than he is a player and that says a lot. To play with him the last two days and be out there with him was really special. So yeah, amazing to be here,” Rai said.

The playoff duel concluded a dramatic final round where the lead switched back and forth. Rai insisted Fleetwood’s integrity was never in question. Fans and players alike also praised Fleetwood for his character. Aaron Rai also received accolades for hugging his father after the victory. Many fans and golf enthusiasts shared their thoughts about Aaron Rai and his father through an Instagram post shared by the DP World Tour.

Tommy Fleetwood’s measured response and Rai’s gracious words have helped put the controversy to rest. As the DP World Tour Championship approaches, both players move forward with their reputations for class and composure firmly intact. With this win, both have a real chance to try to rise high in the Race to Dubai rankings. They will want to secure the title and get their hands on the $6 million bonus prize pool.