Tommy Fleetwood is chasing an Olympic medal at Le Golf National, and making the podium in Paris would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of his impressive career.
The Englishman, who is still searching for his first PGA Tour win, carded a four-under 67 on day one in Paris, four shots back of leader Hideki Matsuyama.
Fleetwood claimed Le Golf National would prove difficult before the first day’s play, but the 33-year-old looked calm and composed at the 2018 Ryder Cup venue.
Yet, Fleetwood has admitted that he’s been struggling during his practice despite his positive start in Paris.
Tommy Fleetwood details practice issues at Le Golf National
Talking to the press after his first 18, the Team GB star admitted his summer hasn’t entirely gone as expected.
“I was just saying before, I haven’t been playing that great in practice, and summer so far has not gone particularly how I wanted it to,” said Fleetwood.
“Been working hard on trying to get my golf swing to where I feel really happy with it. Just got off to a solid start, really. Obviously had a plan in how I wanted to play or what I had to do out there to get the best out of it.”
Keeping the ball in play feels vital at Le Golf National, and it’s something Fleetwood went on to highlight.
He added: “Did a lot of very good things. I was in play off the tee most of the day, and when I did get out of position, I either got away with it, or I look back on five, and I made a good put for par, so I did all the right things on this golf course.”
Fleetwood also highlighted two holes which could prove dangerous during this week’s Olympic event.
Tommy Fleetwood has remarkable Le Golf National record
Of course, the elite names such as Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are heavily fancied this week, and rightly so.
When at their best, very few can keep pace.
Yet, Fleetwood’s record at Le Golf National could give the Englishman an excellent chance of competing come Sunday afternoon.
Whilst representing Team Europe at the 2018 Ryder Cup, Fleetwood won all four of his matches and appeared to enjoy life in the French capital.
If he can recreate his heroics from six years ago, he stands every chance.
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