TOMMY’S PUTTER STUTTER
Fleetwood’s horror 77 a ‘nightmare’
TOMMY FLEETWOOD blamed a “nightmare” on the greens for ending his glory bid at the British Masters.
The Europe Ryder Cup hero held a share of the lead after an opening 67 at Walton Heath on Thursday in his quest for the title and £3million prize.
But he failed to card a single birdie in a second round of 77 to fall eight shots off the pace set by fellow Englishman Eddie Pepperell.
A 78 in the third round of the US Open is the only time Fleetwood has posted a higher score this season and he will be hoping he bounces back in the same manner, a closing 63 at Shinnecock Hills equalling the championship record and seeing him finish just a shot behind winner Brooks Koepka.
Fleetwood said: “I just had a nightmare on the greens. I actually played all right.
“I basically three-putted 11, 12 and 13 and had no idea what the break was going to do or the wind. I never once got it right. “It was so difficult. I holed my fair share yesterday but I was so far out today on the greens.” Fleetwood is playing his 11th tournament in 14 weeks – a run that included all four FedEx Cup play-off events and the Ryder Cup triumph in Paris – but was not about to cite fatigue as a factor.
And he said: “It’s an easy excuse but I played fine.”
Fleetwood is hoping to catch Ryder Cup partner Francesco Molinari – who was two shots worse off after a 73 – and win the Race to Dubai for a second year in succession.
He added: “I’m a long way back now but we don’t know what weather conditions are going to be and if I hit it like that I feel okay about the weekend.”
Pepperell’s 69 gave him a halfway total of eight under and a three-shot lead over compatriot Matt Wallace.
France’s Julien Guerrier was also five under with three holes remaining when play was suspended last night due to darkness.
Pepperell said: “I’m excited because I think I can improve my long game over the weekend and if I do that then I want to take the mindset of dominating the event – because why shouldn’t I?”
“I’ve got to be aggressive, keep trying to play the shots and I don’t think there is anything to be afraid of for sure.
“Get the speed of the greens and hole some putts and it’s all going to be rosy – but we will see.”
Tournament host Justin Rose safely made the halfway cut after a 72 left him on two-over par.
David Drysdale is the best of the seven Scots in the field but his one-over 73 left him six off the lead on two under.
Scott Jamieson and Stephen Gallacher are on one over with Richie Ramsay two over and Marc Warren a shot further back.
Paul O’Hara was still on the course when play was halted, having played 14 holes on three under. Bradley Neil’s 76 has left him on six-over par.