Tommy Fleetwood is aiming to become the first Englishman to win an Open Championship in England since 1969, as he eyes a final-day fightback at Royal Birkdale. The 35-year-old sits five under par, five shots behind leader Sam Burns, after a third-round 69 that left him frustrated but hopeful.
Fleetwood's Disappointing Finish
Fleetwood got within one shot of the lead on his back nine Saturday but dropped shots down the stretch. "It was a bit of a disappointing finish," he said. "I felt like I played really, really well today, and it kind of just flipped like the opposite, where I've had strong finishes the first two days. Just didn't materialize today."
Despite the setback, Fleetwood remains optimistic. "It was a good day. I shot under par. It's easy to think that you should be two or three - I think you think that no matter what you've done on any given day anyway. We'll see where the leaders finish up, but it was a really enjoyable day again."
Harnessing Home Support
Fleetwood has received tremendous support throughout the week and hopes to harness that energy for the final round. "I've always been very lucky with the connection I make with people, so it's been great," he said. "There's no pressure on me at all really and, of course, it's a really beautiful thing that the town is so hopeful for me and they want me to do well."
He added: "I felt nerves this week and excitement and adrenaline, but that's my own expectations. The crowd have been incredible. They've made a massive difference to me. The first tee every day, today when I was in contention, that's stuff that I'll have for life."
A Dream Since Childhood
Fleetwood admitted he has been dreaming of winning The Open since he was seven years old. "You daydream and you dream about the biggest things possible and then you try and make it a reality. I've done it most days since I was seven years old and it still hasn't stopped. That's what life's about, right?"
With a five-shot deficit, Fleetwood knows the challenge ahead but remains determined. "The way it finishes today it's not really going to be in my hands, that's for sure, but I can still go out and shoot a great round tomorrow and see what happens. So we'll see."
Conditions and Strategy
Fleetwood noted the difficulty of the course and the changing conditions. "I think it's incredible how the conditions change morning to afternoon. You sit there in the morning and you're watching these scores, and it's just not possible in the afternoon." He added: "If I can get off to a good start, it'll be a really cool atmosphere again."
Fleetwood is the only Englishman in contention to end a 54-year drought for an English winner of The Open on home soil. Tony Jacklin was the last to achieve the feat in 1969. Fleetwood's quest continues Sunday at Royal Birkdale.
