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
-
NewsEngland’s Charley Hull triumphs in Texas to end six-year wait for LPGA title
The victory was the 26-year-old’s first on the LPGA Tour since prevailing at the CME Group Tour Championship in November 2016.
-
NewsRyan Fox remembers Shane Warne after St Andrews success
The New Zealander secured his third DP World Tour title in front of his family with a one-shot victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
-
European TourRomain Langasque equals course record to lead Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Frenchman recovered from an early bogey with two eagles and eight birdies to reach 11 under par.
-
NewsRory McIlroy bemoans ‘ugly year’ and seeks solution to divide in golf world
The arrival of Saudi-backed LIV Golf series has fractured the game in 2022.
-
NewsOn this day in 2014 – Europe retain Ryder Cup with Gleneagles victory
The Gleneagles victory was Europe’s eighth win in 10 matches.
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.