Tommy Fleetwood may have missed out on winning the 2026 Open Championship, but he left Royal Birkdale with the admiration of fans around the world.
The Englishman thrilled the home crowd with a strong final-round charge and briefly looked capable of producing one of the greatest victories of his career. Although he eventually finished three shots short of a playoff, his performance and reaction after the tournament earned widespread praise.
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Fleetwood later described the week as “pretty emotional” and thanked his hometown supporters for creating memories that he and his family will never forget.
Fleetwood’s Dream Run Falls Just Short
Playing in front of his home fans, Fleetwood began Sunday’s final round five shots behind overnight leader Sam Burns. He made the perfect start by rolling in an incredible 73-foot birdie putt on the opening hole. The huge putt lifted the crowd and immediately gave fans hope that he could challenge for the Claret Jug. Fleetwood continued his charge and reached 3 under through his first eight holes.
At one stage, he moved within a single shot of the lead as excitement grew around Royal Birkdale. However, the momentum did not last. Three straight bogeys around the turn ended his title challenge. Although he responded with a couple of late birdies, it was not enough to catch Ryan Fox, who secured victory with a birdie on the final hole.
Fleetwood finished three strokes away from forcing a playoff, but he still received a huge ovation from the fans who had supported him throughout the week.
Fans Praise Fleetwood’s Class On and Off the Course
After the tournament, Fleetwood congratulated Ryan Fox and thanked everyone who supported him during an unforgettable week.
“Where do I possibly begin?,” he said in a post on X. “First of all congratulations to Ryan Fox. An incredible way to finish and so happy for you, Anneke and the family and team. This week has given me and my family moments and memories that will last forever. I am forever grateful for the support everyone has given me and the love that you all showed and I’m so proud of my hometown for @theopen that you delivered! What an honour and a privilege to have played in that atmosphere in front of you all, thank you! I hope we get to do it again!”
His message quickly attracted thousands of replies from golf fans.
One supporter wrote, “Tommy, you are a warrior first, a great player second. Your additional wins (and majors) will come. If for some reason they do not, you will still be a warrior, and a great player. Don’t change anything about yourself, or your game.”
Another fan said, “Great job! With a bit more good luck you would have won it. 4 great days of golf. It was a terrific tournament with multiple lead changes. And I loved the golf course, burnt grass and all. Greens were great. Congrats for a great tournament. You played lights out.”
Others praised the way Fleetwood handled both victory and disappointment.
“What a guy! Such grace and talent. A credit to golf in general and an inspiration to kids everywhere on how to play the game and conduct yourself. Your time will come, you’re just too good! Thank You.”
Another supporter added, “@TommyFleetwood1 respect! There are exceptional golfers, and then there are individuals who simply make the game better by being in it. Tommy you are the latter – a world class talent on the course and one of the most universally respected off it. Keep going!.”
One final message summed up the mood among many golf fans: “Tommy you are simply an amazing golfer, pure class. You are a true gentleman always . So many people respect and love you. All of your dreams will come true . Nothing is impossible if you believe.”
Fleetwood’s wait for a first major championship continues, but his performance at Royal Birkdale showed once again why he remains one of the most popular players in golf. Even without lifting the Claret Jug, he left his home Open with the respect and support of fans across the world.
Main Photo Credit: © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
