Tony Jacklin backs Tommy Fleetwood for major success

Ryder Cup hero Tony Jacklin CBE has tipped 2017’s Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood for Major success this season, with The Open his best shot at a top trophy.
Jacklin played alongside a 22-year-old Fleetwood, as the Southport golfer took home the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship in 2013 at Nailcote Hall, Warwickshire. The two-time Major winner has kept an eye on his progress ever since, as Fleetwood became European Number One, beating fellow Englishman Justin Rose to the Race to Dubai title last year.
The 73-year-old said: “Tommy’s made a marked improvement in his game this last year, there’s no doubt about that. Every win you have gives you more confidence, but you still need that element of luck to get the job done at the highest level.
“His best shot at a Major might be at Carnoustie. If he gets off to a good start, he’ll have a lot of home support there.
“He’s really raised his game, and he’s a world-class player now, it’s great to see him make his mark on the sport and it’s good news for the future of the game.”
Jacklin’s career highlights included winning The Open in 1969 and the US Open in 1970, as well as making the Ryder Cup the competition it is today, by bringing Team Europe up to the standards of their American counterparts. He led the team four times as non-playing captain between 1983 to 1989, Team Europe winning their first-ever title in the USA in 1987.
On the Ryder Cup, Jacklin added: “As well as Tommy, there’s the likes of Matt Fitzpatrick, and in particular Jon Rahm, who look good, young players for the future of European golf.
“September is a long while away, and I don’t think there are any favourites for the Cup at the moment, but it’ll be an exciting week, that’s for sure.”
Since winning the 2013 Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship, Tommy Fleetwood’s career has gone from strength-to-strength and he looks a certainty to be an integral part of Team Europe in this September’s Ryder Cup.
Latest
-
PGA Tour
It’s been a battle – Rory McIlroy delighted to pip rival Patrick Reed in Dubai
The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy leads by three in bid to win his third Dubai Desert Classic title
England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.
-
LPGA Tour
Golf bid to increase diversity in sport improving but still has ‘long way to go’
Nicola Bennett is an ambassador for the Golf Foundation, helping to drive grassroots campaigns.
-
PGA Tour
Richard Bland boasts share of lead at halfway stage in Dubai Desert Classic
The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.
-
News
On this day in 2009 – Colin Montgomerie appointed Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Scot made eight playing appearances in the competition.
-
News
Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed set up potential showdown in Dubai
McIlroy and Reed found themselves a shot behind world number one amateur Ludvig Aberg and Ian Poulter.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy finishes superbly to take share of lead with rival Patrick Reed
The pre-tournament build-up had been dominated by the war of words between Reed and McIlroy.
-
PGA Tour
Patrick Reed makes impressive start after floods cause delay in Dubai
Reed was able to complete 16 holes on a truncated day at Emirates Golf Club.
-
PGA Tour
England’s Aaron Rai shares lead after first round of Farmers Insurance Open
The 27-year-old started on the more forgiving North Course of Torrey Pines.