Tommy Fleetwood’s Ongoing Aspirations
Tommy Fleetwood is fueled by new dreams after securing his first PGA Tour victory in Atlanta this August, achieving this milestone on his 164th attempt. The 34-year-old is eager to build on this success by aiming to win the Ryder Cup for the third time in his fourth appearance, as Team Europe heads to Bethpage Black in New York to defend the trophy he helped secure in Rome two years ago.
Memorable Moments from the Ryder Cup
Fleetwood’s back nine performance against Rickie Fowler during the 2023 singles has passed into the realms of legend, particularly his famed “drive of his life” on the 16th hole at Marco Simone, solidifying a European victory. He also claimed victory at Le Golf National in Paris in 2018, achieving a personal record of seven wins, two ties, and three losses in Ryder Cup matches.
Facing the Challenge Ahead
Despite having not won a Ryder Cup abroad, after experiencing defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021, Fleetwood remains one of the most beloved European players in the U.S. However, the atmosphere at Bethpage is expected to be challenging for Luke Donald’s team. Rory McIlroy revealed that Europe has been training with virtual reality headsets to acclimate to the expected hostility.
Fleetwood’s Growing Popularity
Fleetwood’s popularity in the U.S. is rising, matching that of McIlroy’s. His near misses and charming persona resonate with fans. Prior to winning this year’s FedEx Cup, he had a remarkable 30 top-five finishes in his career, along with six second-place finishes in PGA Tour events. He embraces the upcoming challenges: “You have to step into it with everything because this is what we’ve dreamt of,” he reflects.
A Storied Dream at Home
While he values his support in the U.S., Fleetwood dreams of winning an Open Championship in his hometown. He recalls watching Mark O’Meara’s victory at Royal Birkdale in 1998, igniting his ambition. “Is there a bigger individual dream you can have than winning an Open in your hometown?” he muses, mentioning next year’s tournament at Royal Birkdale.
Meaningful Connections Off the Course
Fleetwood finds strength in his relationship with caddie Ian ‘Finno’ Finnis, who has been by his side since 2016. Their bond extends beyond golf, as they share a love for football, supporting Premier League club Everton. Their friendship has stayed strong, even as Finnis underwent open-heart surgery. Fleetwood joyfully recalls their rare day of victory when both Everton and he won their respective matches.
Looking Forward to New Triumphs
As Fleetwood prepares for the Ryder Cup, he aims to win for his family and all of Europe, knowing the support won’t come from U.S. crowds. Yet, he takes comfort in the cheers of “Tommy lad” from his enthusiastic supporters, a phrase that signifies his roots in Southport. Fleetwood’s aspirations and camaraderie will undoubtedly propel him forward as he continues to chase greatness.
