HOYLAKE, England — Tommy Fleetwood isn’t afraid to go low in a major championship.
Now it’s time for him to win one.
The 32-year-old Englishman, who owns the distinction of posting a 63 twice in U.S. Opens, has three top-five finishes in the past seven major championships.
In the past three British Opens, Fleetwood has a runner-up finish in 2019 at Portrush and a tie for fourth last year at St. Andrews.
Fleetwood has been daydreaming about what it would be like to win an Open Championship in England.
“I’ve imagined it about a million times probably,’’ Fleetwood said Wednesday, on the eve of the opening round at the 151st British Open at Royal Liverpool. “Winning a major is a dream. Winning the Open is a huge, huge dream.
“No matter where that is, that’s always something I’ve visualized and always thought about. But having the opportunity to do it so close to where you grew up is something that’s very unique and very special.
“For sure, I’ve pictured it a lot and visualized it a lot. I just haven’t done it yet in person, so that’s hopefully the next thing.’’
Fleetwood’s next chance will come just 30 miles south of his hometown of Southport.
“It’s nice to have a week that feels so close to home,’’ Fleetwood said. “Hopefully, they all come out and support. One of the special things about the Open is no matter where it is, I always feel like I’ve had great support being a home Open, being British, but then we get the chance every few years where it feels very, very close to home and I get to experience what that feels like.’’
Though he’s local, Fleetwood said he hasn’t played Royal Liverpool since the last Open at the course, in 2014.
“I don’t know the course that well,’’ he said. “I haven’t played it as many times as I would like, but I do know it better than most. I’ve played here as a junior and stuff, and then I haven’t played it at all since the last Open. I think when it’s an event that is so close to home, obviously it comes with its own mental challenges, with your own expectations — and with everybody else’s.
“It would be silly and daft to look at or try and find negative elements to do with that. It’s an amazing feeling playing in front of so much support and having that, and I think it’s very special. It would be really, really silly to not go out with the aim to enjoy it and embrace it and see what you can do out there.
“No matter what happens, it’s going to be a week that you remember. I still remember the first Open I played that was here. Didn’t play very well and I was so nervous and so inexperienced, if you like, but it was still so special to play in front of a home crowd.’’
This will be Fleetwood’s first Open since his mother died last year.
He said his father will be in attendance at the tournament.
“It would be nice to think she’s watching over,’’ he said. “It’ll be a special event. I would love to play well and I would love to sort of give myself a chance come Saturday and Sunday and have something to aim for in that sense. I have a great family and a lot of support, and my dad is out here today. The best thing is seeing how well he’s doing and obviously give him something to enjoy watching this week.’’
Though he has seven wins internationally and has had Ryder Cup success, Fleetwood is still seeking his first PGA Tour victory.
“I’ll be disappointed and I’ll be upset if I don’t play well,’’ he said. “But you also have to realize that there’s certain things about the week that are very special, and focus on them, as well.’’
He’ll tee it up on Thursday and Friday with Scottie Scheffler, the No. 1-ranked player in the world, and Adam Scott.
“I get on with both guys very, very well,’’ he said. “I enjoy being around them. I enjoy playing golf with them. It’s a really nice three-ball for me. I’m happy that I sort of remain in like the groups, like the TV groups if you like, and I would like to stay there for as long as possible.’’
A win this week would go a long way toward further cementing himself in that elevated stratosphere.