English golfer aims to win first major at hometown Open Championship

Tommy Fleetwood will compete in the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club this week, the course where he learned to play golf as a boy in Southport, England. Fleetwood said he and friends snuck onto the course once or twice while growing up.

He described the chance to play the event locally as a dream and noted the special place the Open holds in the area. An English-born player has not won the Open since 1992. Fleetwood said he feels lucky to compete at the venue but added that he does not want to focus on future outcomes or view a major win as necessary for fulfillment.

Previous appearance at the venue Fleetwood played at Royal Birkdale in 2017, opening with a 76 before making the cut and finishing tied for 27th. He recalled a strong second-round effort that helped him advance.

Career record Fleetwood has 11 professional wins worldwide and ranks ninth in the Official World Golf Ranking. He captured his first PGA Tour title at last year's Tour Championship and has finished second in the U.S. Open and the Open Championship. He will make his 45th major start this week. Fleetwood said every player dreams of winning the Open and that the goal is shared by all competitors.