[Picture: Vaughn Ridley]
Tommy Fleetwood has long been one of the best golfers on the planet, but he also morphed into one of the game’s best winners in the past three months. Fleetwood finally captured his maiden PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship (claiming the FedEx Cup in the process), dominated Team USA at the Ryder Cup (OK, so that wasn’t a first) and added another DP World Tour title in India. It’s been a nice run for this (very) nice lad.
So what’s been the biggest difference? Was it an equipment change? Is he eating better? Working out more? Nope. According to Rory McIlroy, he’s just being (slightly) more of a jerk.
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That’s what the five-time major champ said in so many words this week in Dubai as Fleetwood has once again put himself in position to win at eight under par through two rounds. And as one of the Brit’s best friends, he’s allowed to say it.
Here’s how McIlroy explained it in a recent interview with The Scotsman:
“I think seeing his reaction to winning it Atlanta,” McIlroy told The Scotsman. “I would never say I questioned how much he wanted. But, like, he’s always been so nice….so nice! Then I’m like ‘is he too nice?’ Because you need to have that little bit of edge, p–ck in you, whatever you want to call it. I know I have it and I feel like that’s what you need to win.
“I think it is harder for Tommy to feel that than others because of how nice and empathetic he is. But I feel like he has developed that little bit of edge this year.”
And there you have it, folks. You can’t be too nice out on the golf course if you want to win. And now that Mr. Nice Guy Tommy Fleetwood has developed a bit of an edge, watch out.
Actually, it’s too late, because he’s already kicking ass and taking names. In as nice of a manner as possible, of course.
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