Tommy Fleetwood admitted that he initially questioned Luke Donald’s decision to place him late in the Ryder Cup singles two years ago.
However, it proved to be a masterstroke as Fleetwood emerged as the pivotal player, securing Europe’s triumph in Rome. Fleetwood, who is among the five players already qualified for Donald’s team to defend the title at Bethpage next month, was positioned in the penultimate match of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, squaring off against Rickie Fowler.
This turned out to be a stroke of genius by Captain Donald, as Fleetwood maintained his composure to defeat the former Players champion 3&1. When Fowler conceded Fleetwood’s birdie putt on the 16th, the Englishman was assured not to lose the match, sealing Europe’s victory and sparking jubilant celebrations for the men in blue.
However, they face a markedly different challenge this time, particularly after Bryson DeChambeau issued a formidable warning upon his confirmation on the American roster. Europe can rely on an experienced captain in Donald, who adeptly led his team to victory two years ago.
Fleetwood is eager to work with the former world No. 1 again, and feels fortunate to have worked with three captains who have understood what motivates him throughout his Ryder Cup career so far.
“I think the Ryder Cups that I have played, I would say I know no different, but I’ve been very comfortable with Thomas, Padraig, and Luke in terms of them knowing me very well, being very close to me,” Fleetwood said ahead of this week’s Tour Championship at East Lake.
“Yeah, the job of the captain, I guess, is to give us the best platform for us to play, like, with confidence and with freedom. I think I’ve been lucky in the captains that I’ve had that I’ve had great relationships with them before any of their captaincies have come along, and they’ve sort of understood me as a person.
“In the last Ryder Cup, I didn’t particularly want to go out No. 11 in a way. It was just late on, we were ahead, and I just didn’t feel like that was a spot that I wanted to be in.
“But Luke actually told me afterwards why he wanted me there, and that was a great thing, and in the end, I was very grateful for the opportunity. But I think just been lucky with the guys that know me very well and know how to read me and how to get the most out of me.”
Fleetwood has now joined Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose as the third golfer to secure his place on the European squad.
Bob MacIntyre and Tyrrell Hatton have also confirmed their spots on the 12-man team. The final automatic qualification position will be decided at this week’s Betfred British Masters, held at The Belfry, the venue for the 2002 Ryder Cup.
Shane Lowry, who currently occupies the final spot in the top six, won’t be swinging his clubs at The Belfry, as he’s set to tee off at East Lake.
This opens up a golden opportunity for Rasmus Hojgaard, whose twin brother Nicolai made his debut in Rome, to snatch sixth place. He just needs to finish 29th or better to knock Lowry off his perch and secure his own spot at Bethpage.