Tag: Tommy Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood traded his clubs for his stepson’s as a caddie at Challenge Tour event

No days off for Tommy Fleetwood.

No days off for Tommy Fleetwood.

After playing the last three weeks in the United States on the PGA Tour, including a T-3 finish at the 2024 Masters, Fleetwood is in United Arab Emirates this week at a Challenge Tour event. Not as a player, but as a caddie for his 17-year-old stepson Oscar Craig.

And it seems Fleetwood knows a thing or two about being a good looper. He has helped Craig, playing this week as an amateur at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi, to a 3-under 69 start, good enough for T-14.

Not bad for a 17-year-old, and not bad for Fleetwood after his busy three-week stretch.

Craig earned his spot in the tournament by winning the Ras Al Khaimah Men’s Open in February. The family has a home in Dubai, so it’s not a far trip from home for them to tackle the links together this week.

Here’s a look at Fleetwood’s looping skills through photos:

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1375]

Masters: TaylorMade’s ‘Season Opener’ collection pays homage to Augusta National and Georgia

Check out TaylorMade’s limited-edition gear for the 2024 Masters.

[anyclip-media thumbnail=”https://cdn5.anyclip.com/s2oawI4BdjEHj-lZQ9rz/1712620230529_248x140_thumbnail.jpg” playlistId=”undefined” content=”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”][/anyclip-media]

For decades, golf equipment brands have made special bags, headcovers and accessories for staff players to use in major championships to serve two purposes. First, at the most prestigious events, the cool gear makes it easier for companies to showcase how many players use their equipment. Second, if they are creative and appealing enough, the limited-edition items can also be sold to fans online.

This week at Augusta National Golf Club, TaylorMade staff players will be using “Season Opener” bags, headcovers and accessories designed especially for the Masters, and fans can pick up the gear on TaylorMade’s website.

The Staff Bag ($599.99) is covered in symbols, some of which are subtle, like the three gold flags with a halo near the handle that pay homage to Amen Corner (the 11th, 12th and 13th holes), while others like the azalea-patterned TaylorMade logo are easy to understand. The lining of the pockets are covered in a peach pattern.

The headcovers for drivers, fairway woods and hybrids ($99.99) and both blade-style and mallet putters ($119.99) also have peach linings.

TaylorMade also designed special-edition TP5 and TP5x Pix balls for the 2024 Masters ($59.99) that are covered in peaches instead of the orange and black diamond pattern found on the standard 2024 version of the Pix balls. According to TaylorMade, Tommy Fleetwood, who uses a TP5x Pix in competition, plans to use the Season Opener edition during this season’s Masters.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop 2024 Season Opener Collection” link=”*”]

Tommy Fleetwood made a 10 at Bay Hill’s famous par-5 sixth hole. Here’s how he did it

Somewhere, Arnold Palmer is smiling.

The par-5 sixth hole at Bay Hill Club & Lodge is one of the more famous par 5s in golf.

There’s only about 350 yards between the tee box and the green, but between that is a giant lake that snuggles the left side of the fairway from tee box to green. It’s an incredibly difficult tee shot and approach, but players can be rewarded with two strong shots.

The same can’t be said for Tommy Fleetwood, who carded a 10 on the hole Friday during the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Fleetwood’s tee shot found the fairway, but he hit not one, not two, but three approach shots into the lake before finally finding the putting surface with his eighth shot.

Two putts later, and Fleetwood walked away with a 10.

Tommy Fleetwood carded a 10 at Bay Hill on No. 6. (Photo: PGA Tour)

It was a struggle for Fleetwood on the opening nine, as he carded a 9-over 45. Even for the best players in the world, Bay Hill can be a beast.

The 10 isn’t even close to the highest score on the hole. John Daly famously had an 18 in 1998.

Somewhere, Arnold Palmer is smiling.

Photos: Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and other stars at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

The field in Dubai is loaded.

The DP World Tour is in Dubai for the second week in a row, this time for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates GC. Defending champion Rory McIlroy headlines the stacked field, and he’ll be joined by Tommy Fleetwood, last week’s winner at the Dubai Invitational (McIlroy finished runner-up).

Other names in the field include Champion Golfer of the Year Brian Harman, Adam Scott, Nicolai Hojgaard, Cameron Young and LIV Golf’s Joaquin Niemann.

On the betting side, McIlroy is the favorite at +260, followed by Tyrrell Hatton at 10/1 and Tommy Fleetwood at 11/1.

Here are some of the best photos from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Dubai Desert Classic: Leaderboard

Tommy Fleetwood tops Rory McIlroy with birdie-birdie finish to win 2024 Dubai Invitational

Fleetwood beat McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence by a shot at the DP World Tour’s 2024 opener.

What a way to start 2024 on the DP World Tour.

The European-based circuit was back in action this week at Dubai Creek Resort with the 2024 Dubai Invitational, a no-cut, 60-player field event that come Sunday featured a three-way fight for the win.

Thriston Lawrence took the clubhouse lead at 18 under with a bogey-free 7-under 64 in the final round, but it was Rory McIlroy (67) who had all the momentum on the back nine after five birdies over his final eight holes. The four-time major champion stood on the 18th tee with a one-shot lead over Ryder Cup teammate Tommy Fleetwood (67) and proceeded to rinse his tee shot in the water left of the fairway, which led to a costly bogey that tied him with Lawrence at 18 under. Just as he did on the 17th, Fleetwood birdied the last to win the tournament by one at 19 under.

The victory is his seventh on the DP World Tour and first since the 2022 Nedbank Golf Challenge.

MORE: European pros dish on Keith Pelley leaving DP World Tour

“It’s great, that winning feeling is amazing, and it’s been a really cool week. Felt like I played better and better throughout the week,” said Fleetwood. “Had a great day yesterday, and then today, playing with Rory and coming down the stretch in contention and trying to win a golf tournament was really, really cool.”

“It’s always very special when you play with one of your friends, one of the best players in the world. Challenging yourself against those guys, like I said just before, Rory’s been a very, very supportive influence on me over the past, since I’ve been him, really, but since we’ve been close,” he continued. “I’ve watched him do amazing things down the stretch in golf tournaments, and today was my turn.”

Despite the disappointing finish after starting the event with a 9-under 62 on Thursday, McIlroy said his first start of the year was “really positive.”

“I think first week back out, I think you’re going to expect some of those sloppy mistakes, and unfortunately for me, those mistakes came at the wrong time today,” said McIlroy, referencing his water ball on the 18th tee. “But you know, I’ll reflect on it and learn from today, and there’s still a lot of good stuff in there. But just need to tidy up some of the edges, and if I do that, I feel good going into next week.”

The DP World Tour will remain in the UAE for another week with the 2024 Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club, Jan. 18-21.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=451197408]

Tommy Fleetwood, Rory McIlroy set up for Sunday duel at the Dubai Invitational

Sunday is going to be a good one.

The same name was atop the leaderboard at the Dubai Invitational after the first two rounds — Rory McIlroy. But thanks to an 8-under 63 on Saturday, Tommy Fleetwood (15 under) holds a one-shot lead over the Northern Irishman at Dubai Creek Resort.

Fleetwood carded eight birdies during the third round, including a stretch of three straight on the back nine from Nos. 12-14.

“That little patch through the middle of the back nine, really, where you just start seeing putts going in, it’s funny, really, when you get a day like that and you’re just looking at them and you just feel like you can come close,” Fleetwood told the media after signing his card.

“So, yeah, nice day to be out on the course.”

Dubai Invitational: Leaderboard

Fleetwood, who tied for 47th last week at the PGA Tour’s The Sentry, last claimed victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in December 2022.

Tommy Fleetwood of England and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hug after their thirds round of the Dubai Invitational at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 13, 2024 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

World No. 2 McIlroy (14 under) traded a birdie for a bogey on his front nine, making the turn with a even-par 35 on Saturday. However, he turned it on on the back nine, making four birdies coming home including three straight from Nos. 11-13.

“It was a bit of a slow start again,” McIlroy said. “You know, I — yeah, it was a little bit of a slow start, but then I got things going on the back nine.

“Shot 4-under on the back to try to keep up with Tommy. And, you know, played well that back nine and earned myself a tee time with him tomorrow, and it’ll be good fun. I’m looking forward to it.”

McIlroy and Fleetwood teamed up at the 2023 Ryder Cup on two occasions going 2-0 with wins against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay in Friday morning foursomes, and Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth in Saturday morning foursomes.

Thorbjorn Olesen is alone in third at 12 under, while Jordan Smith, Thriston Lawrence and Zander Lombard are tied for fourth at 11 under.

[lawrence-related id=778424033,778379521]

Players to watch: Predicting 10 first-time PGA Tour winners in 2024

Keep an eye on this mix of veterans and rising stars in 2024.

After taking a nearly two-month holiday hiatus, the PGA Tour will return to action the first week of January with the 2024 Sentry in Hawaii.

The last time we saw the boys in action, rookie Ludvig Aberg earned his first win on Tour at the RSM Classic in November. There were 13 first-time winners on Tour in 2023, up one from 12 the year prior. Golfweek predicted four of them.

So who do we have our eyes on for next year? From veterans to rising stars from the amateur ranks, here are 10 players who we predict will hoist a trophy on Tour for the first time in 2024.

2023 TaylorMade Christmas Card: Mac Daddy Santa returns and a look back

Mac Daddy Santa is back.

‘Tis the season for long-standing traditions and reflecting on days gone by, but TaylorMade’s new tradition of dropping a holiday card on social media featuring its star-studded tour staff got social media buzzing once again on Tuesday.

This tradition started in 2019, when, seemingly out of nowhere, the brand sent actual holiday cards in the mail that featured Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and other stars wearing Christmas-themed pajamas. It continued in 2020, digitally, and has become something that golf lovers look foward to seeing every December.

On Tuesday, the 2023 holiday card dropped and it adds a Tiger Woods tradition twist. In 2016, the 15-time major winner posted a bare-chested photo of himself as Mac Daddy Santa, a tradition his children — Sam and Charlie — love.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOVXpgVgxS6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

This year, Mac Daddy Santa is overseeing toymaker elves that include Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Brooke Henderson, Collin Morikawa, Charley Hull and Nelly Korda.

Nicolai Hojgaard wins DP World Tour Championship, Rory McIlroy claims Race to Dubai

McIlroy now owns five Race to Dubai titles.

For the fifth time in his career and second year in a row, Rory McIlroy claimed the DP World Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai title. However, he wasn’t victorious this week as that honor went to his Ryder Cup teammate, Nicolai Hojgaard.

Hojgaard, who finished second at last week’s Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, closed with an 8-under 64 at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course that included a stretch of five straight birdies on the back nine – Nos. 13-17 – to beat Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Wallace and Viktor Hovland by two shots. This was the 22-year-old’s third DP World Tour title and first Rolex Series win.

“It means a lot. It’s the sweetest one,” he said. “It’s so much hard work been put in the last couple years, and this year has been a really good year if I look back on it, I feel like the only thing I need, was missing, was a win, and to get it this week, this field, is unbelievable.

“I mean, I can’t believe it’s just happened.”

McIlroy, who tied for 22nd at 10 under, sounded satisfied after winning yet another season-long title.

“It’s great. I think it shows my consistency year-to-year. I think over the last ten years, I think I’ve won eight season-long titles between America and between here, so it just shows my level of consistency,” he said. “I said to Harry on the last green, there’s a few guys that are able to beat me sort of one week or the next week but I don’t think there’s a lot of people that can beat me throughout the entire season.”

Mattieu Pavon, Jon Rahm and Thirston Lawerence rounded out the top five at 17 under.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1375]

Matt Wallace shoots 60 at DP World Tour Championship, birdies every hole on back nine

“I mean, 60 out here, that’s ridiculous.”

It was a special round for Matt Wallace on Saturday at the DP World Tour Championship.

The 32-year-old from England shot 12-under 60 in the third round at the DP World Tour Championship, moving into the lead by one shot with 18 holes to play at Jumeirah Golf Club in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Wallace, who has four DP World Tour wins in his career, leads Viktor Hovland, the 2023 FedEx Cup champion, and Tommy Fleetwood by one shot.

Wallace’s round was special, marked by nine straight birdies on the back nine to shoot 27 and card a 60, the lowest round on the DP World Tour this season.

2023 DP World Tour Championship
Matt Wallace of England walks to the 18th green during Day Three of the DP World Tour Championship on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 18, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

“What a day, an amazing day,” Wallace said. “Just tried my hardest to get myself back into the tournament. I’m really happy that I’ve been able to do that. Played great.

“Again at the end, I didn’t even think there was a 59. Honestly I think it helped me a little bit. I just played nicely coming down the stretch, just keep getting one more if I could and I managed to do that.”

Wallace’s eagle chip on the 18th hole came up just short of the hole, however, a closing birdie to cap the stellar back nine was a feather in the cap of the best round of Wallace’s life. With a win Sunday, he would win his first Rolex Series title, even though Rory McIlroy has captured the Race to Dubai, the DP World Tour’s season-long points race, for the fifth time.

Hovland and Fleetwood matched 66s on Saturday, continuing their trend from the first two days after matching 69s and 66s the first two days.

Even the FedEx Cup champion was impressed with Wallace’s day.

“That’s ridiculous,” Hovland said. “You know, it played easier today, not a lot of wind. Greens were soft. But the greens are very grainy. It’s hard to make putts. On some of the pin locations, like 17, for example, I don’t know, that’s a tough one to get close to. So there is a lot of good pins. And yeah, I mean, 60 out here, that’s ridiculous.”