England’s Tommy Fleetwood says the support provided by a home Birkdale crowd has “100%” helped push him into Open contention – but he is not the only British player on the leaderboard ready to strike.
Fleetwood, who grew up just up the road in Southport, shot a three-under 67 on Friday to move to joint eighth on four under.
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre is alongside Fleetwood in a stellar pack which also includes English pair Matt Wallace and Alex Fitzpatrick, as well as Spanish superstar Jon Rahm and defending champion and world number one Scottie Scheffler.
The group is four shots behind Australian leader Lucas Herbert – who carded a record-equalling 62 in Friday’s second round – with Bryson DeChambeau also well in the mix, despite receiving a controversial two-shot penalty for “inadvertently improving his lie”.
Despite all the drama, it is Fleetwood who will remain the centre of attention on Saturday.
The local favourite has received rapturous receptions across the course over the opening two days as he looks to finally win a major trophy.
After scrambling to an opening-day 69, Fleetwood had to work hard again on Friday before a flurry of three birdies in the final five holes left the home fans celebrating.
“They’ve been an absolute pleasure to play in front of for these two days. I love that I played some good golf there and something to cheer about,” said the European Ryder Cup star.
“They make a big difference to me. They helped me so much [on Thursday] when I was struggling. You can’t ask for any more than what they’re giving me.”
There would not be a more popular winner at Birkdale this week.
Fleetwood grew up playing at nearby Formby Hall and occasionally scampered over the Royal Birkdale fence to get onto the course which he dreamed of playing. He still talks with the same accent as the thousands cheering him around the Merseyside links.
Fleetwood remains relatable to the locals despite being a PGA Tour winner, a European Ryder Cup talisman and one of the best current players never to have won a major.
If that changes on Sunday, there will be a party like Birkdale and the surrounding areas have never seen before.
“Of course there’s pressure,” Fleetwood added.
“My own expectations are huge, and my own dreams started here. All that stuff’s massive, but it’s only good stuff.”
More to follow.