SerpApi.Org
Tommy Fleetwood is aiming for his first major title in his hometown, and has 15-time major winner Tiger Woods rooting for him.
Woods was hinting at a return to the game after the 82-time PGA Tour winner teed off in TGL just ahead of the 2026 Masters tournament, but just hours later, he flipped his car and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. He made his first public appearance just weeks ago at the Travelers Championship alongside PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp.
As Woods attempts to get healthy and make another comeback, 35-year-old Fleetwood is playing his hometown course of Royal Birkdale at the final men’s major of the season and searching for his first ever major title at the Open Championship. He’s currently tied for 15th in the middle of his second round, and Woods is pulling for the European, after he opted to wear Woods' Sun Day Red brand for Friday's second round.
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After Fleetwood carded two birdies on the front nine, Woods took to X.
“Lookin' good out there @TommyFleetwood1,” Woods wrote. He has rarely posted on social media in recent weeks, with just two posts since a statement on March 31 confirming he was stepping away after his arrest.
The golf legend has slowly backed away from social media, and he reportedly went out of the country for a rehab stint as people urged him to get help. Woods’ struggles came following his seventh back surgery in October, and he was found with opioids at the time of the crash in Florida.
However, the golf world kept spinning. Fan-favorite Fleetwood is embracing his time at the Open Championship with fans surrounding him in support, as the one-time PGA Tour winner hunts for the Claret Jug.
“It's been amazing,” said Fleetwood. “I really enjoyed the practice rounds. Been playing really well. Honestly, the support today was a massive lift for me, especially like around that turn where I felt like -- my poor golf stats catch up with me a little bit.
“I scrambled really well. It's always going to catch up with you at some point. I felt like the crowd really helped me. They definitely sort of carried me a little bit through that patch, and then nice to get that great finish.
“Like 15 was a really cool moment. Managed to hole a putt in front of the biggest crowd of the day there, and that was a great 3. It was a pleasure to play in front of everyone. I'm so grateful for the support.”
Home stars Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick are also in the crowd, but Fleetwood’s pull seems to be stronger as the underdog has yet to win this season and Fitzpatrick has three under his belt.
“I think when you get to playing, I think you're obviously working to stay very present. I actually did a pretty good job of that,” said Fleetwood. “I was enjoying the atmosphere and playing. It means a lot to me, and like the first tee is a very special experience at an Open in Southport for me. I was pretty nervous, to be honest, on the first tee.”
