I’LL SEAL A HOME WIN FOR EVERTON
Tommy’s got the Goodison spark
TOMMY FLEETWOOD hopes to banish the Blues for his beloved Everton and parade a trophy at Goodison Park.
The Southport-born ace laughs as he admits he was way too young to remember the last time Everton won silverware.
But the 26-year-old is in with a real shout of lifting the 146th Open at Royal Birkdale, just down the road from where he grew up.
Fleetwood said: “I can’t remember us winning anything. The last time was 1995 when we won the FA Cup but I was too little.
“But let’s not talk about the last few years – they are going to win the league this year.
“This might be a big year for us – and hopefully I can start it off.”
Streak
Fleetwood has come a long way since the days when he used to sneak onto the course to hit a few shots with his father Pete.
And he has come a lot further in just six months after an astonishing streak of form.
This time last year he was ranked 188 in the world and sliding. But a memorable 2017 has seen him bank over £3m and rocket to No.15.
He knows that he will have the Southport crowd backing him to the hilt but says the weight of expectation isn’t going to be too heavy for him to handle.
Tournament wins in France and Abu Dhabi and a fourth place finish in the US Open have convinced him he’s got what it takes.
Fleetwood added: “A lot more people are recognising me now but nothing too mad. Someone recognised me in Altrincham market the other day but I’ve not spotted anyone fainting or anything!
“Expectation levels are big but I’d rather it be that way than come here as a no-hoper.
“People are talking about me as a contender now and I will settle for that.
“I’ve thought about winning The Open since I was five so a few more days won’t make any difference.
“It’s very flattering and it doesn’t affect me.
The one thing I learned about myself from the US Open was that when I woke up on the Saturday and Sunday mornings I knew deep inside that I could do it.
“I felt comfortable. So if the time comes again where I’m contending I know I can do it – and that’s a great feeling.”
Fleetwood felt the inner strength that he will draw on should he be in the mix come the weekend.
“I wasn’t fearful and I didn’t back away from any shots,” he said.
His father still walks the dog by the famous course and struggles to get used to seeing his son’s face all around the place.
“My face is on a lot of lamp posts,” Fleetwood says with a broad grin. “My old school did a ‘Good Luck’ banner which makes you feel really nice.
Raking
“My dad is really proud but he’s just the same as always. He talks more about his golf than mine – he’s down to 10 handicap again.”
Fleetwood admits he feels his life could not be much better at present and not only because of raking in the cash on the course.
Fiancee Clare is expecting their first child in October and he said: “In just over two months my life is going to change forever.
“My life is just fantastic at the moment. Now to be playing in The Open at this course where I used to sneak on as a lad, with all my family, friends and everyone cheering me on, is unreal.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable experience that’s for sure. I’ll have the most support I’ve ever had in my life. It’s going to be a great week for me no matter what.
“The thing is now I have the mindset with golf that nothing scares me. I’m happy on the course and off it – and that plays a massive part in how you deal with things.”