Tommy Fleetwood is glad to be on the right side of history this time. Coming off of a bad start, Fleetwood chased down Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Invitational last week. McIlroy, of course, made a costly mistake that quite literally landed his title dream on hot waters. But, the British star sympathizes with his Ryder Cup comrade after pipping him for the $425,000 title less than a week ago.

McIlroy’s wayward drive landed on the water hazard at Dubai Creek Resort, making it a little easier for Fleetwood to make his way through to the top. But, Fleetwood feels the four-time major winner’s mistake attracted the eyeballs more because it came in the final hole. In fact, Fleetwood knows this from first-hand experience.

Tommy Fleetwood stands by Rory McIlroy

Fleetwood admits there were times when he found himself in McIlroy’s position. Speaking to the media before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the British Ryder Cup winner said, “Either you’d played well and somebody has played better than you, or you might have hit a bat shot at the wrong time. I’ve done it plenty of times.”

Fleetwood feels when mishaps happen in the final round, it draws more attention. “There are mistakes or a bad shot (that) comes later on in the tournament, people recognize it more.” 

Was there a moment where a bad shot cost him the title? Tommy Fleetwood nods in agreement. “I think I’ve had a lot of near misses where I feel like I might have hit a shot that has cost me a tournament, and other times people play well. Experience tells you that there’s going to be those moments.” The British star, most notably, surrendered the 2018 U.S. Open title to Brooks Koepka after missing a five-foot birdie putt.

This time too, Fleetwood was coming off of a poor start to the 2024 season. Two weeks ago, the Brit was in Hawaii for the Sentry. In the 59-man field event, the seven-time DP World Tour winner finished tied at the 47th position. So, Fleetwood knows that golf is a fickle game.

Fleetwood is glad it wasn’t him this time

Adding further the 32-year-old offers harsh a reality check.  The more a golfer is at the top, “obviously the more it’s going to show up because you’re not going to win every single week you play.” Indeed, we’ve seen this repeating over and over again. Koepka blew off his lead in the Masters that offered Jon Rahm a window of opportunity to earn his first Green Jacket. In fact, McIlroy, himself collapsed in the 2011 Masters despite having a four-stroke lead.

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