Fleetwood ready for Winged Foot challenge
Tommy Fleetwood insists he is ready to enjoy the “absolute grind” of a US Open as he seeks a first major title at Winged Foot.
Fleetwood was fourth in the US Open at Erin Hills in 2017 and second the following year at Shinnecock Hills, where his closing round of 63 equalled the championship record and left him just a shot behind Brooks Koepka.
The 29-year-old could only finish 65th at Pebble Beach last year but was runner-up to Shane Lowry in the Open Championship a month later and travelled to New York on the back of a closing 64 and tie for third in the Portugal Masters. “I have not played Winged Foot before but I have heard people say how tough it is and I think it’s a US Open and that is just what you have to expect,” Fleetwood said.
“I actually remember the last US Open there and it is a tough test. My coach says a good shot normally does the trick and that is the idea wherever you are, but the preparation for the US Open always stays the same.
“Youhavegottobeprepared for anything, for bogey runs, getting around the greens, trying to make as many up and downs as you can.
“You know what is coming. You are not going to go there wondering what am I going to need this week and what the course is going to be like – which is a good thing – and I have always enjoyed the odd week a year to have an absolute grind out there.”
Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy emerged victorious the last time Winged Foot held the US Open in 2006, but the tournament is best remembered for Colin Montgomerie and Phil Mickelson both making a double bogey on the 72nd hole when poised to win.