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.
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