Fleetwood braces for hostile Ryder Cup as road crowds ready to challenge fan-favorite status
English star acknowledges the home crowd will be against him at the 2025 Ryder Cup on U.S. soil, but says the atmosphere is part of golf’s signature showcase.
Tommy Fleetwood acknowledged on Wednesday that his status as a fan favorite will fade once Europe hits the road for the Ryder Cup, whose opening day is set for Friday in the United States. The English golfer, who has long connected with crowds, said he understands that the home crowd will back the American team, and he urged that the energy and passion of the crowd are part of what makes the Ryder Cup special—whether you are the home or away player.
At Bethpage Black, Fleetwood has drawn intense applause and autograph requests as he rides the momentum from a recent PGA Tour breakthrough and a FedEx Cup win. The practice rounds drew a steady stream of supporters, with fans lining the ropes behind him. He has been described as “Fairway Jesus” and a relatable figure in golf’s backstage dynamic. Earlier in the season, he was runner-up at the Travelers Championship and then won East Lake to claim the FedEx Cup and a $10 million prize. The crowd’s enthusiasm followed him through a round at Bethpage, a scene that underscored how far he had come from a years-long wait for a first PGA Tour win.
Since 2018, Fleetwood has produced the most points of any European player in the Ryder Cup. At the 2018 event in France, Fleetwood won all four of his matches during Europe’s victory, and at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome he captured the winning point. Those results anchor a reputation for delivering on big stages, and they contribute to the belief that Europe could become the first away team to win since 2012 when the matches begin Friday.
“Look, the sort of job of the home crowd is to support the home team. You wouldn’t hold anything against anybody in that way,” Fleetwood said. “But I do say that the home crowd is a big part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special, so unique to us. As individuals, you obviously don’t get to play in front of a home or team atmosphere. It’s always kind of crowd supporting individuals. But I think that energy, that passion and that home team environment is something that plays such a big part in the Ryder Cup, and I think you have to embrace that, enjoy it, and look forward to it, even when you’re the away team. It’s the biggest showcase of the sport that we get.”
“When it’s time to play, I’ve always felt like I really just want to focus on my game, focus on each shot, try and get into my bubble as much as possible,” Fleetwood said. “That’s no different in the Ryder Cup. It’s just an extreme atmosphere.”
Fleetwood is at the peak of his powers, and his presence is among the biggest reasons Europe could become the first away team to claim victory since 2012. As the matches approach, the Englishman’s blend of warmth and competitive edge will be tested by a hostile opening act on the road, with the spotlight squarely on Friday’s pairing and the atmosphere that accompanies golf’s most anticipated events. For Fleetwood, the sport’s global stage will hinge on mindset as much as swing, channeling energy rather than fearing it, and continuing a Ryder Cup legacy built on big moments.