It is hard to imagine Tommy Fleetwood has caught up with all the messages that flooded in after his Tour Championship win, given how many were celebrating his first PGA Tour win.
Tiger Woods and LeBron James were just a couple of the big names who reached out to congratulate the British golfer, joining a long list of stars who celebrated his breakthrough win.
Now, golf legend Gary Player has also joined in, sharing a message on social media to celebrate Fleetwood’s long-awaited PGA Tour victory.
Gary Player says he is proud of Tommy Fleetwood
Player, who has nine majors and 159 professional victories, including 24 on the PGA Tour, rarely hands out praise without good reason. So when he does, it is worth taking notice.
At 89 years old, the South African is held in high regard across the sport, with a reputation for choosing his words carefully.
Fleetwood will no doubt appreciate hearing Player speak so warmly about him on social media.
“I am so incredibly proud of and happy for Tommy Fleetwood and his gutsy perseverance over what has been a terrific professional golf career. Yesterday marked the culmination of decades of hard work and resilience, culminating in the glory of a PGA TOUR win,” Player wrote on X.
He added: “It was great to see how the crowds, not just at East Lake, have wanted to see Tommy win. A testament to the great person Tommy is. Congratulations, Tommy and here’s to many more!”
Gary Player praise is hard to come by, so Tommy Fleetwood should be proud
Player has never been shy about speaking his mind, always straightforward when sharing his thoughts on the state of professional golf.
Not long ago, he voiced his frustration with Rory McIlroy’s behaviour post-Masters win and even said Jack Nicklaus would have a word with him.
“Yes, I am but I am not happy with the way he has behaved since he won The Masters. Not going to the press and stuff. I have never done that in my life, neither did Palmer or Nicklaus. And then he says he can do what he likes. You can’t. Nobody can do what you like.
“Nicklaus will tell him, Nicklaus will straighten him out. But he has got the most beautiful swing.”
On the other hand, Jordan Spieth had the makings of a top player in Player’s view, but added that ‘he just can’t hit the ball’ anymore.
“Jordan Spieth I think is the best golfer in the world but in my opinion he was taught the wrong thing. And he just went downhill. He went downhill. If you had a man like Ben Hogan teaching Jordan Spieth he would be the best in the world.
“He’s such a competitor, such a wonderful man. A wonderful guy for golf, best short game, best course management but he just can’t hit the ball. That is a tragedy.“
Now Fleetwood can be assured that Player is a genuine admirer, a sentiment few other PGA Tour professionals can claim.
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