Tommy Fleetwood’s career reached new heights in 2025, marking his most impressive year to date. Throughout the year, one of the biggest questions was whether Tommy Fleetwood would finally break through for his first PGA Tour win.
Tommy Fleetwood’s career reached new heights in 2025, marking his most impressive year to date.
Throughout the year, one of the biggest questions was whether Tommy Fleetwood would finally break through for his first PGA Tour win. He had come close several times before, most notably at the Travelers Championship where he lost his lead to Keegan Bradley on the final hole.
But at the final time of asking, Fleetwood took his first PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship. He was then an integral part of Europe’s Ryder Cup success in New York, forming a historic partnership with Rory McIlroy.
Now ranked third in the world behind McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, Fleetwood isn’t content to settle there. As he looks ahead to 2026, he’s made it clear that he has no intention of standing still.
Tommy Fleetwood on chasing Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler in the OWGR
Before the Dubai Desert Classic, Fleetwood was asked what it would take to close the gap between himself and Scheffler, who dominated 2025, and McIlroy, coming off the best season of his career.
Fleetwood opened up about what it’s like to be leading that group: “I think to start the year, to finish the year in a place I’ve never been before – I’ve never been that high in the World Rankings. So then you’re starting the year in that place, as well.
“I think for me, it’s been very, very exciting to, as everybody did, recap over the year. You look at what you’ve done well and things you can improve. The process stays the same. It’s just that I think the opportunity is there now to try and maintain the level I reached last year.
“And then yeah, of course, like you’re looking at two of them – when it’s all said and done Scottie and Rory will be two of them – will be two of the best of all time without question. So to be sort of guy below them at the moment and be closest one to chasing right now. Love that.”
“Yeah so I will continue to strive and try and go as far as can get as close as can or get up with whether happens not different story but think very cool being in position where look towards you’ve reached three this level golfer How do continue better see where go”
“I think that’s just very exciting again like say enjoy putting work every aspect game push on improve what we’ve got.”
The Englishman was part of Europe’s Ryder Cup win over USA back in September 2025 along with Luke Donald helping lead an underdog European team through once more this time New York.
Tommy Fleetwood sets a clear goal for 2026
Even though Fleetwood finally picked up his first PGA Tour win last season, the next question naturally shifts to when he might land his first major title. The ability is clearly there, and it feels like only a matter of time before he breaks through. Could 2026 be the year?
Fleetwood admitted he was disappointed with how he played in the majors last year and is aiming to be more competitive in those big tournaments this season.
He explained: “I’m a big believer in goals and dreams. I think you have, for me, I have my lifetime dreams in the game from when I was a kid, and they are still going.
“Then, yeah, goals, I just think they set up the direction in what you work to every single day. You know, I think you should set goals high. I don’t necessarily think it’s that important to achieve them. I think it’s more the process of setting those goals and striving for those and seeing where you get to.
“I don’t live and die by whether I achieve what I want to or not. I love having those things to aim for, and every now and again, you get – like moments come through the year that you can picture and that you can go for. I think, you know, in India, I think it was a perfect example when I got to win with Frankie running on to the 18th green.
“That was a moment we can envision when we talk about it, and it’s one of those things that happened because we talked about what we were working towards,” said Fleetwood as quoted by Golf Today. “I enjoy putting everything into something without any guarantees as much as anything else.”
This year’s Open at Royal Birkdale offers him a great chance to do just that on familiar ground—and given his recent form; few would bet against him making an impact there.
Category: General Sports
