Tommy Fleetwood arrives at the Valero Texas Open at one of the best moments of his career. The Englishman, FedExCup champion in 2025, is on a run of huge solidity — seven top-10 finishes in his last ten tournaments — and faces the week in San Antonio as one of the big favourites, although with his feet firmly on the ground.
“I always try to be as consistent as possible and to play at a competitive level with the best in the world,” Fleetwood explained in the build-up to the tournament. That consistency, precisely, is what has marked his start to the season and the end of last season: “I’ve been playing some of the best golf of my life, and that’s something I’ve enjoyed enormously”.
The Valero Texas Open was not originally in his plans two years ago, but it has become a regular stop in his schedule. In 2024 he arrived almost by chance, after a poor spell in Florida, and the gamble paid off perfectly: he posted a great result and then followed it up with a standout performance at the Masters. Since then, he hasn’t missed it. “It’s a fantastic week, I love the course and I love having my family here,” he said.
Favourite, but not complacent
The good run has put him in the spotlight as one of the names to beat this week, a role Fleetwood takes on naturally. “When you’re up there, you have to enjoy it. I’ve been through times when I struggled a lot with my game, so this is something positive,” he said.
That said, he makes clear that that label doesn’t win tournaments. “Once you pick up the club on Thursday, everything is the same. The ball doesn’t know whether you’re the favourite or not. What’s important is the process: prepare well and do your job,” he said.
The final test before Augusta
The Texas tournament comes just before the Masters, a key date in the calendar that shapes his entire planning. Fleetwood acknowledges he has changed his approach over the years: “There was a time when I preferred to rest before the majors, but lately I feel I arrive better when I compete the week before”.
The Englishman seeks competitive rhythm without losing freshness, in a balance he considers fundamental: “The big tournaments are the first thing you look at when you make the schedule. Everything revolves around how to arrive as well prepared as possible for those Thursdays”.
A course that demands the most
On the course at TPC San Antonio, Fleetwood has no doubt: it’s a complete test. “You can’t dominate it with power. You have to control the ball, be patient and have a very complete game,” he explained. The wind, moreover, adds an extra degree of difficulty that forces you to adapt constantly.
That kind of challenge fits his style, based on consistency and control, two of the keys that explain his current great form.
Fleetwood, self-critical about his putting
Despite the good results, Fleetwood admits that not everything has been perfect. His putting, in fact, has been his weakest point in this start to the season: “I haven’t putted well this year. It’s been one of the most disappointing parts”.
That’s why he has introduced small changes, such as modifying the visual references on his putter. “Sometimes you just need to see something different to change your mindset,” he explained. Without drama, but with the intention of fine-tuning an aspect that can make the difference at the big events.
Between golf and life
Beyond the game, Fleetwood also made room to talk about his personal life. He enjoys the balance between competition and family, and the details that make each week special. From his passion for trying clothes and new styles — “it’s fun to be able to choose what you wear” — to experiences off the course, such as his recent visit to an NBA game to see Victor Wembanyama.
And, of course, Augusta is already on the horizon… also at home. His son, a regular star of the Par 3 Contest at the Masters, is already getting ready for the big moment. “He thinks he can hit the ball over the water… I’m not so sure,” he joked.
Confidence and ambition
Fleetwood arrives in Texas with confidence, competitive rhythm and the sense of doing things well. Not obsessing over results, but aware that he is in a privileged position. “You have to enjoy it while it lasts,” he summarised. And if he maintains this level, it could last a long time.
