Fleetwood looks ahead after return to form at Masters
SOUTHPORT’S Tommy Fleetwood signalled something of a return to form after finishing as the highest-ranked English player at The Masters over the weekend.
The 29-year-old has, by his own admission, endured a ‘very average season’ during which his world ranking has fallen from 10th to 16th.
But there were flashes of the Fleetwood of old in his six under par finish at Augusta, where he edged out two-time runner-up Justin Rose at five under and 2016 champion Danny Willett a further stroke back alongside Ian Poulter.
His best round, of 66, came on Friday, when he shot seven birdies to put himself in contention among the leaderboard’s frontrunners.
Just two shots off the halfway lead at that point, Fleetwood was feeling comfortable and eyeing an opportunity to end his frustrating year in style.
“It’s been a tricky one, I haven’t played anywhere near where I’d like to play,” Fleetwood said. “If you used the 2020 PGA Tour season, it was a disappointment at best but it’s been a strange year. I’ve had some great spells but I’ve had some poor ones. At the moment I feel like I’m doing good things. I felt like I played really well today and that’s kind of what I expected.
“We’ll see what turns up over the weekend. I feel like my game is in a good place. It’s nice to have my coach out here, it’s nice to have my wife out here. Just some familiar things that haven’t always been there this year, so I’m kind of in a comfortable spot.”
However, Saturday’s third round proved a tough one for him with the course’s greens playing faster than they had the previous day and the Southport pro registering a couple of unhelpful bogeys for a score of 71.
“I think the greens had a bit more speed in them,” said Fleetwood. “And you know, apart from a silly little three putt on one hole, I’ve made very few mistakes this week, so I sort of move on from that. I was pretty solid. Just birdies weren’t as easy to come by for me.”
It meant Fleetwood entered the final day eight shots behind leader Dustin Johnson, who would go on to clinch the title.
In the end, Fleetwood had to settle for finishing first among the English contingent on six under par. He’ll be looking to tweak his game in time for the return to Augusta in April next year for the 85th Masters, where he’s been installed among the 50/1 shots for the title alongside Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth.