Justin Rose Issues Challenge to Tommy Fleetwood for Unique Golf Match at Everton Stadium
Professional golfer Justin Rose has publicly challenged his compatriot Tommy Fleetwood to a match at Everton Football Club's Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer. The unusual proposal comes as the stadium prepares to host a special golf driving range event in mid-July, coinciding with The Open Championship at nearby Royal Birkdale.
Stadium Transformed for Golfing Event
Everton's new waterfront home will be converted into a temporary driving range for four days in July by Upper Deck Golf, an American company that typically operates at sports venues across the United States. This marks their first venture outside North America. The event will run from July 16th to 19th, with tee times available from 7am to 9pm each day.
Rose spotted the announcement on social media and immediately expressed interest, reposting Everton's post on X and adding: "I'm in the area that week!! Fancy a match @TommyFleetwood1 before the @TheOpen ?? Sure @Everton can sort us a tee time!!"
Everton Extends Warm Welcome
The club responded enthusiastically to Rose's challenge, stating: "You are both very welcome – we look forward to seeing you at our world-class waterfront home!" As a devoted Everton supporter, Fleetwood may be particularly inclined to accept the invitation to play at his beloved club's stadium.
Aaron Duckmanton, Everton's chief revenue officer, emphasized the significance of hosting such events: "We are delighted to be bringing Upper Deck Golf to Hill Dickinson Stadium. It's an experience that has been delivered at some of the world's most iconic venues, and this is a great opportunity for people to see our new home from a completely different perspective."
Strategic Timing with The Open
The timing of the stadium golf event aligns perfectly with The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, creating unique opportunities for golf enthusiasts visiting Merseyside. Duckmanton added: "With The Open Championship taking place nearby, events like this bring something unique to the city – whether that's hitting shots from the upper tiers down onto the pitch or enjoying the clubhouse-style atmosphere."
The club has emphasized its commitment to making the stadium a year-round destination, with Duckmanton noting: "We've always said we want the stadium to be more than just a matchday venue, and events like this show how we can use the space in new and innovative ways, attract different audiences and keep it active all year round."
While Fleetwood has yet to publicly respond to Rose's challenge, the potential matchup would create a memorable spectacle at the innovative stadium event. Both golfers could potentially schedule their participation around their Open Championship commitments, with early morning or late evening tee times available throughout the four-day event.
