Fairway Jesus: How Tommy Fleetwood Became a Cult Hero

With his flowing locks and everyman demeanor, Tommy Fleetwood looks more like he should be playing guitar in a 70s rock band than flushing irons on the 18th at a Ryder Cup. Yet, "Fairway Jesus" has become the heart and soul of the European team's connection with the fans.

The "Moliwood" Legacy

Fleetwood's Ryder Cup career was launched into the stratosphere in 2018.

• 4-0-0: Partnering with Francesco Molinari, they became the first European pair to win all four of their matches. The "Moliwood" bromance went viral, including a video of them waking up in bed together with the Ryder Cup trophy.
• Chemistry: Fleetwood is the ultimate teammate. He smiles when he hits a bad shot but grinds his teeth when he needs to support his partner. He removes the pressure from the rookie and amplifies the joy of the veteran.

The Crowd Favorite

Even in America, it's hard to hate Tommy Fleetwood.

• "Tommy, Tommy Fleetwood!": The chant is now a staple of any event he plays. At the Ryder Cup, it becomes a deafening roar that rivals any football stadium.
• Relatability: He plays without a glove. He shows his emotions. He looks like a regular guy who just happens to be a golfing genius.

A Technical Masterpiece

Behind the persona is a world-class ball striker. His shortened follow-through—the famous "sawed-off" finish—allows him to control trajectory in the wind better than almost anyone. This makes him particularly dangerous on the exposed, windy courses often selected for European home matches.