Southport's own Tommy Fleetwood has made a strong start at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, a course deeply entwined with his childhood memories. The local hero, affectionately known as 'Tommy Lad', carded an opening round of one-under-par 69, a score he described as a 'battle' given the challenging conditions. This performance places him among the early contenders, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Fleetwood's connection to Royal Birkdale runs deep, albeit unconventionally. As a child growing up in Southport, he admitted to occasionally hopping the fence along the 5th fairway to play on the hallowed turf, a stark contrast to the hundreds of pounds in green fees or club membership required. His early golfing days were spent at Southport Municipal, before developing his talent at Formby Hall, which remains his home club and where he now runs a junior academy.
The 35-year-old’s journey from a working-class background, with his father in construction and mother a hairdresser, to a leading professional golfer, resonates strongly in the North West. His aspiration to become a professional golfer was sparked by attending the 1998 Open at Birkdale as a patron, where he chased autographs, notably securing one from Colin Montgomerie. Now, 28 years later, he is one of the favourites to lift the Claret Jug on the same course.
The support for Fleetwood was palpable during his round, particularly around the turn where he credited the crowd with helping him through some challenging moments. A small group of locals even gathered near the 5th tee, the very spot where Fleetwood used to sneak onto the course, to watch him play for free through temporary fencing erected for the tournament. This deep-rooted local affection highlights his status not just as a golfer, but as a community hero.
Fleetwood's dedication to making golf accessible is evident through his academy at Formby Hall. Priced at £75 for six weeks of tuition, it aims to provide opportunities for children from families who might not otherwise afford the significant costs associated with playing at prestigious clubs like Birkdale. This initiative underscores his commitment to giving back to the community that has so passionately supported him throughout his career.