ROCK ON TOMMY
Ace felt like a pop star
TOMMY FLEETWOOD claimed the Ryder Cup made him feel like a pop star or a goalscorer in the World Cup Final.
And now the long-haired legend is ready to enjoy more fame.
The people’s champion from Southport was at the centre of wild celebrations with
50,000 fans following Europe’s crushing
17 -10 win at Le Golf National.
“It was amazing,” said the Everton fan. “It is the closest thing we get to being a rock star, a footballer scoring a goal in a World Cup Final. That is what it felt like. That is our World Cup. It is very, very cool.
“When you are part of it, you can see why people like Ian Poulter – who lives and breathes the Ryder Cup – wanted to get back in that team so badly.
Stretch
“It is the best thing that we could possibly experience. I have not won Majors – I have gone down the stretch trying to win them – but that does not compare to being on the
16th hole on a Friday morning trying to win a point.
“It is just amazing. And the celebrations... there is not normally 50,000 people egging me on. I loved it.”
The US Open runner-up dropped to world
No.188 while struggling with his game two years ago.
The 27-year-old added: “After what I have gone through, I appreciate this even more.
“Believe me, it is way better than when nobody knows you or wants to talk to you.”
Fleetwood revealed planning for Paris – and his undefeated pairing with Francesco Molinari – began in the Bahamas.
“We spend quite a lot of time together,” said the world No.12. “Our wives, Clare and Valentina, are very close and Fran and I practise together.
“We were on holiday in the Bahamas together and started talking about the Ryder Cup a week after the US PGA.
“We were a perfect match in the end. I’m going to start preparing for the next one!”
Talk has already turned to who will captain Europe in
2020 at Whistling Straits in the
USA, with Padraig Harrington emerging as favourite.
Rory McIlroy said: “He would be a great captain because of his playing record and because everyone over there likes him.”