TOMMY’S OUR KID
Fleetwood, the long-haired hero from Liverpool, is tipped by his mentor to bring Claret Jug back to Lancs links
HOME favourite Tommy Fleetwood is the name on locals’ lips in Birkdale ahead of today’s Open.
But the world No.14 has been on the mind of golf coach Norman Marshall for 20 years – since he discovered him, aged just six.
Marshall coaches at nearby Formby Hall Golf Club and has been teaching kids for 25 years.
But none has been as good as Southport-born Fleetwood, who Marshall acclaimed as a “genius” marked for greatness after instructing him between the ages of six and 11.
Marshall, who trained as a pro at Royal Birkdale, said: “He was a great golfer, even then. When he was nine, he went around Southport and Ainsdale in 81.
“Someone complained it was not credible and I had to write a letter saying, ‘Yes, it is’. He stood out right from the start.
“My worst distance was 75 yards, so I had a green built at that length, with a circular tarpaulin three metres by three metres like an archery target. We used to hit balls in sets of 25. I had the record among me and my assistants, with 16 out of 25.
“But Tommy came – aged around seven or eight – and hit 21 out of 25. That is when I realised he was a genius. He is very gifted.
“I teach kids with scores and targets, so I know instantly when I have someone exceptional – and Tommy was.”
Long-haired Fleetwood (below, left, with American Stewart Cink) has clearly been outstanding in 2017, climbing from 153rd in the world, 12 months ago, to the brink of the top 10.
He is leading the European Tour’s “Race to Dubai”, with two wins this year in Abu Dhabi and at the recent French Open.
It has seen him earn nearly £4million in prize money – including £430,000 for coming fourth recently at the US Open.
His three previous successive Open appearances, after making his debut in 2014, have all ended in missed cuts. But Fleetwood’s popularity means bookies have slashed his odds to 25-1 this week as he aims to become the first Englishman since Sir Nick Faldo, 25 years ago, to lift the Claret Jug. There will be huge expectancy and a massive gallery following when he tees it up with Brooks Koepka and Hideki Matsuyama at 10.09am today. Fleetwood and Koepka (below, right) were paired together last month for the final round at Erin Hills, where the American triumphed with a final round 67 compared to the Brit’s 72. But Marshall insisted: “Tommy is going to win a Major – it is not if, it is when. The support for him this week is going to be unprecedented. It is like golf ’s version of The Beatles. “In this area, Tommy is the highest-achieving individual sportsman we have had and he has a real connection with people.” Fleetwood, 26, (above, snapping a selfie with fans during an Open practice day) is at ease in the limelight. He said: “Just to be here is great. It’s going to be an experience I’ll never forget. It’s a very rare and massive privilege to play at a tournament so close to home. I’ll have the most support I’ve ever had in my life.”
Dad Pete, a former Tarmac layer, still walks his dog near Royal Birkdale and keeps his son posted about his own 10 handicap.
The pair once had a fight at the Forest of Arden in front of England selectors when Pete was on his son’s bag as an amateur. But Marshall credits him with giving his son a competitive spirit, which saw him reach world No.1 amateur before turning pro in 2010.
Fleetwood’s best mate Ian Finnis is now on his bag and he has reunited with former coach Alan Thompson.
He is also getting married to his manager Clare Craig and due to become a father in October.
And the young golfer deserves his place among the game’s elite when he proudly strides on to that first tee today.