Fleetwood heads home to Birkdale chasing English major win
World number nine Tommy Fleetwood returns to Southport for The Open, aiming to become the first English champion since Nick Faldo.
Tommy Fleetwood will attempt to secure a maiden major title at his home course when The Open begins at Royal Birkdale on Thursday. The Southport-born golfer enters the final major of the year among the favourites to claim the Claret Jug.
A victory would make the 35-year-old the first Englishman to be crowned Champion Golfer of the Year since Sir Nick Faldo. Fleetwood first attended the tournament here as a child, having previously sneaked onto the Royal Birkdale course to play with his father.
His recent form supports his standing as a contender. Fleetwood has finished no worse than 14th in his last five worldwide starts. His career trajectory has risen sharply since he failed to contend at the 2017 Open at Birkdale, featuring in the last four Ryder Cup teams and claiming a breakthrough PGA Tour victory at the Tour Championship.
Despite seven major top-five finishes, including a runner-up placement at the 2019 Open, he has not recorded a top-10 in a major since sharing third at The Masters in April 2024.
Local backing in Southport is substantial, making him the fans' favourite this week. This is marked by a large mural at the Southport & Birkdale Sports Club and various community crochet displays around the local area.
"What you do have to deal with is how much you want it and your own expectations," Fleetwood said. "I just think I am the lucky one that gets to have home support and use that as really positive fuel."
He insisted he will not let the major tournaments define his legacy regardless of the outcome this week. "There's no doubt about it, winning majors is the ultimate accolade in our sport," Fleetwood added. "I don't think I want to look towards the future and worry about or think that I have to win a major to feel fulfilled."
Viewers in the UK and Ireland can follow the tournament exclusively on Sky Sports Golf, with coverage beginning at 6.30am on Thursday. The broadcaster will provide at least 15 hours of live action across the first two rounds, with bonus feeds available on Sky Sports+.
