"No pressure on me": Tommy Fleetwood still believes he can make The Open even more special
February 22, 2026, Pacific Palisades, California, USA: TOMMY FLEETWOOD looks towards the crowd after finishing on the 18th hold during the second round of the Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country club in Pacific Palisades, California. Pacific Palisades USA - ZUMAt158 20260222_zsp_t158_005 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex
February 22, 2026, Pacific Palisades, California, USA: TOMMY FLEETWOOD looks towards the crowd after finishing on the 18th hold during the second round of the Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country club in Pacific Palisades, California. Pacific Palisades USA - ZUMAt158 20260222_zsp_t158_005 Copyright: xBrentonxTsex
It’s clear who the Royal Birkdale crowd wants to see lift the Claret Jug on Sunday. It’s none other than home favorite Tommy Fleetwood who revealed that he’s under no pressure.
Fleetwood remains in the mix, within five strokes of the lead. He has loved every bit of the support he has gotten.
“There's no pressure on me at all really, except for my own expectations, and of course it's a really beautiful thing that the town is so hopeful for me, and they want me to do well," Fleetwood said after his third round. "I can't ask for any more from thousands and thousands of people out there.”
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Tommy Fleetwood of England tees off on the 16th hole during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2026 on February 15, 2026 at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 15 PGA, Golf Herren AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602151904
PEBBLE BEACH, CA - FEBRUARY 15: Tommy Fleetwood of England tees off on the 16th hole during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2026 on February 15, 2026 at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA. Photo by Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 15 PGA, Golf Herren AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602151904
Fleetwood would’ve wished for a better finish on Saturday, as he ended up carding two bogeys in the last four holes. However, three birdies before that helped him register a score of 1-under 69.
“I just said over there, whatever happens tomorrow -- like yesterday evening, the first tee every day, today when I was in contention, that's stuff that I'll have for life," Fleetwood said. "To be honest, how many people in the golfing world get to experience that with the crowd that much on your side.”
Fleetwood was backed by the crowd at every step along the way. At the 18th green, he took in the moment as he acknowledged the ovation from the crowd.
The Englishman is ready for the final round.
Can Tommy Fleetwood Close the Gap on Sunday?
The Royal Birkdale would erupt if Fleetwood manages to clinch the Claret Jug on Sunday. It all depends on the closing round.
“Yeah, we'll have to see. The way it finishes today it's not really going to be in my hands, that's for sure, but I can still go out and shoot a great round tomorrow and see what happens,” Fleetwood said in the same interview. “I think what am I, 5-under? Lead is, I reckon, 10 maybe, 9 or 10? So we'll see.”
With rounds of 69,67 and 69, Fleetwood has lived up to the crowd’s expectations. However, Lucas Herbert, Sam Burns, and Ryan Fox have exceeded them as they matched the major championship scoring record of 62.
Currently tied for 9th, a good start on Sunday will create an amazing atmosphere for the Englishman, who is eyeing his first major title.
What are your thoughts on Tommy Fleetwood’s performance? Share them in the comments.
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Written by
Avishek Sarkar
Edited by
Kalp Thaker