Tommy Fleetwood delivers statement after withdrawing midway through the French Open, ‘I’m so sorry’

Tommy Fleetwood has issued a heartfelt apology after withdrawing midway through the French Open because of illness.

Fleetwood was in contention at the Open de France on the DP World Tour after two rounds, which he finished on six-under. He carded rounds of 69 and 67 at Le Golf National, but has not been able to continue.

The Englishman, who is an eight-time champion on the DP World Tour, has now released a statement on social media confirming the reason behind his withdrawal. The event is now in its final round, with his compatriot Matt Fitzpatrick leading the way in the closing stages.

Tommy Fleetwood issues apology after French Open withdrawal

Posting a statement on his Instagram, an apologetic Fleetwood wrote: “I hated having to withdraw from The French Open this week, I honestly thought I might have had a chance of playing but I was too ill.

“I’m so sorry to all the fans that supported this week and especially to all of the sponsors and organisers of such a great event. I have so many fond memories of Le Golf National and will be back in the future!”

It’s a real shame for Fleetwood, who was certainly looking capable of climbing the leaderboard across the weekend. He is currently 48th in the Race to Dubai rankings, which are led by American Patrick Reed. But English fans could still get a winner this week in the form of Fitzpatrick, who is already a 10-time DP World Tour champion.

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Meanwhile, Fleetwood can be expected to recover in time for the upcoming Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, which returns next week. He has confirmed his place on the entry list, along with the likes of Tyrrell Hatton, Brooks Koepka, Matt and his brother Alex Fitzpatrick, and defending champion Robert MacIntyre.

The tournament will take place at Old Course St Andrews, and is followed in the DP World Tour schedule by the Spanish Open, the DP World India Championship and the Genesis Championship. The playoffs then conclude the campaign with the Abu Dhabi Championship and the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

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