Tommy Fleetwood looks back on a successful season that included moving up to 12th in the world ranking, winning the Dubai Invitational, and securing a silver medal for Team GB at the Paris Olympics. As he reflects on his year, Fleetwood acknowledges that he has achieved consistent results without necessarily playing his best golf. He mentions moments when his swing felt comfortable but recognizes the challenges of maintaining consistency in all aspects of his game.
One of Fleetwood’s highlights was qualifying for the Tour Championship and finishing inside the top 20 in the FedEx Cup rankings despite not feeling at the top of his game throughout the season. He points to his victory in Dubai, a third-place finish at the Masters, and the silver medal at the Olympics as significant accomplishments, but highlights the lack of breakthrough moments that would make a huge impact on his career.
Regarding his Olympic experience, Fleetwood describes winning a silver medal as a proud moment, although the disappointment of falling just short of the gold lingers. He recalls the pressure he felt during crucial putts and emphasizes the unique atmosphere of competing for his country in front of passionate fans at Paris National.
The golfer expresses his appreciation for the return of fans at the Olympics, highlighting the energy and excitement they brought to the event. Fleetwood enjoyed the competitive field and the opportunity to represent his nation on a global stage, emphasizing the importance of savoring such moments in a sport where opportunities like the Olympics only come every four years.
As discussions arise about the Olympic format, Fleetwood supports the 72-hole stroke play as a fair way to determine the week’s best golfer, similar to major championships. He suggests the addition of a team or mixed event alongside individual play to enhance the competition without straying from traditional formats that are well-established in the golfing world.
Reflecting on his career journey from amateur ranks to professional tours, Fleetwood credits his adaptability to various course set-ups and conditions to his diverse experiences in the golfing world. His background on links courses has instilled a comfort and creativity that he draws upon in challenging conditions, particularly in his performances on traditional links courses.
Despite his success worldwide, Fleetwood acknowledges the absence of a PGA Tour victory on his resume and acknowledges the desire to achieve that milestone. He views winning in America as a natural progression for European players and recognizes it as a goal he aims to accomplish in his career.
