Fleetwood ready for busy summer

World No 10 Tommy Fleetwood has prepared himself for a busy summer and is confident he can handle the workload.

Straight off the back of a runner-up finish at the US Open, where he shot a record-equalling 63 on the final day, the Southport golfer is in Germany for the BMW International Open.

And with seven events – including two majors in the Open Championship and US PGA and the French and Scottish Opens – before the middle of August, a packed schedule awaits.

The 27-year-old’s career has been on an upward curve for the last 18 months – rising from 188th in the world in September 2016 – and that has allowed him to plan ahead.

“This year, in particular, we knew at the start of the year it’s going to be a busy year,” he said.

“And I know now that I’ve really got very little time off up until past September, nearly October now.

“At least I know. It’s not like it’s going to take me by surprise and I’m going to get to the end of it and think ‘I’m knackered and I wasn’t expecting to play all those events’.

“Rest is important. It’s just about looking after yourself mentally and physically.”

Fleetwood has been grouped with Thomas Pieters and Ernie Els for the opening two rounds at Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof in Pulheim, near Cologne.

Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer are the other big names in the field and will tee off today alongside Italian Open winner Thorbjorn Olesen.

Connor Syme and Bradley Neil are among six Scots taking part.