As anticipation builds for The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Tommy Fleetwood has addressed an interesting theory put forward by former champion Jordan Spieth regarding the role of the crowds during golf’s oldest major.
Fleetwood, who grew up just minutes from Royal Birkdale in Southport, is expected to receive overwhelming support from local fans throughout the week. With thousands of spectators likely to rally behind the Englishman, questions have emerged over whether such passionate backing could create added pressure—or even influence the atmosphere for the rest of the field.
Jordan Spieth, the 2017 Open champion at Royal Birkdale, previously suggested that Fleetwood’s hometown support would make him one of the biggest attractions at the championship. Spieth noted that British golf fans have long been eager to see a home winner lift the Claret Jug again, believing Fleetwood would naturally become the player many spectators choose to follow.
When asked about the prospect of playing in front of enormous home crowds, Fleetwood welcomed the support but dismissed any notion that it would become a distraction or create an unfair advantage.
Instead, Fleetwood described the experience as something incredibly special—an opportunity very few professional golfers ever receive.
“It’s obviously very, very special,” Fleetwood said while reflecting on returning to Royal Birkdale. Growing up in Southport, he explained that The Open has always held a unique place in the community, with the championship becoming part of the town’s identity whenever it returns.
Fleetwood admitted that simply having the opportunity to compete for the Claret Jug in his hometown feels like a dream come true.
“It’s very rare to have an opportunity to play a tournament, let alone The Open, in the town where you grew up in front of fans that are all there to support you,” he said.
Rather than seeing the galleries as a source of pressure, Fleetwood believes their encouragement will serve as motivation throughout the week.
The Englishman has consistently been one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, with his relaxed personality and sportsmanship earning admiration from fans around the world. At previous Open Championships, especially when held in Britain, Fleetwood has often attracted some of the tournament’s biggest galleries.
Spieth’s theory reflects that popularity.
The American believes Fleetwood’s connection with the local fans makes him one of the most dangerous contenders whenever The Open is played on home soil. According to Spieth, the emotional lift provided by thousands of supporters can give players additional confidence during pressure moments, particularly in major championships.
Fleetwood, however, insists the support must still be matched by quality golf.
The world No. 9 knows that crowd encouragement cannot replace strong ball striking, sharp putting, and smart course management over four demanding rounds. He remains focused on preparation rather than external expectations, despite acknowledging the excitement surrounding his return to Royal Birkdale.
The 35-year-old enters the championship carrying one of the strongest résumés among players yet to win a major. Throughout his career, Fleetwood has recorded multiple runner-up finishes in majors and several top-10 performances at The Open, but the elusive first
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